Date: 10/17/17 3:18 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 17 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 17, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, October 17 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 14 at Barr Lake SP, Chip Clouse reported Brown Thrasher.
---On October 15 at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, field trip led by Candace
Johnson reported Common Loon, Burrowing Owl, and Sage Thrasher, Chris
Goulart also
reported 4 Lapland Longspurs.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 14 at Cherry Creek SP, Glenn Walbek reported Red-necked Grebe.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett. On
October 12 Kathy Carroll reported 60 Sandhill Cranes SW of Pritchett. On
October 12 Jim Dennis reported 30 Sandhill Cranes at Comanche National
Grasslands near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
---On October 14 Peter Burke reported Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mountain
Park.
---On October 15 Bob Spencer reported Common Tern at Prince Lake 2.
CONEJOS COUNTY:
---On October 15 at Sego Springs SWA, Jack Harlan reported 12 Sandhill
Cranes and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
---On October 14 at Garland Park Lollipop Lake, Mary Keithler reported
Greater White-fronted Goose.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 12 at Chatfield SP Marina’s Sandspit, Doug Kibbe reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 14 at Chatfield SP on DFO Field Trip led by Ed Holub a
Brewer’s Sparrow was seen.
EAGLE COUNTY:
---On October 15 at Spring Park Reservoir, Lori Pivonka reported 17
Cackling Geese.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
GARFIELD COUNTY:
---On October 13 Jo Ann Riggle reported Sage Thrasher at Fravert Reservoir.
---On October 15 at a private residence on Sweetwater Road, JoAnn Riggle
reported Summer Tanager. To try to
See the bird, contact Janet Rivera at 970-524-7799.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
---On October 15 at Main Reservoir in Lakewood, Art Hudak reported 3
Cackling Geese.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Lower Queens Reservoir, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported 2 Cattle Egret and 15 Sanderling.
---On October 13 at Queens SWA Check Station, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.
---On October 15 at Lower queens Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 2
Black-bellied Plovers, 27 Stilt Sandpipers, and 4 Semipalmated Sandpipers.
---On October 15 at Neegronda Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 5 Wood
Ducks, Pacific Loon, American Bittern, 24 Sandhill Cranes, Semipalmated
Plover, and 3 Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
---On October 15 at Neenoshe Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported Laughing
Gull, 2 Sandhill Cranes, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, 20
Chestnut-collared Longspurs, 5 McCown’s Longspurs, and Harris’s Sparrow.
---On October 15 at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported
Curve-billed Thrasher, Brown Thrasher, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted
Nuthatch, and 2 Winter Wrens.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
---On October 15 Jaons St Pierre reported Red Fox Sparrow in his front
yard. Birders are welcome to try for it at 3508 Earl St in Durango.
On October 16 Susan Allerton reported seeing the Red Fox Sparrow in the St.
Pierre yard.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
---On October 12 Nick Komar reported Eastern Phoebe at Pleasant Valley and
Lake Canal greenbelt at W Lake St in Fort Collins.
---On October 13 at TImnath Reservoir, David Wade and Nick Komar reported 6
Cackling Geese.
---On October 14 at Soapstone Prairie NA, David Wade, Georgia Doyle, and
Nick Komar reported Lapland Longspur.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MESA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Bridgeport, Mark and Denise Vollmer reported Nashville
Warbler and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Horsethief Canyhon SWA, Mike Henwood and David Price
reported Black Phoebe on Cottonwood snag on gravel bar in river.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 12 Tom McConnell reported Paciffic Loon at Big Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTEZUMA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
On October 15 Coen Dexter reported Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage
Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows. On October 15 at Airport Lake,
Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported 8 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Bedrock Campground and Boat Ramp, Coen Dexter and
Brenda Wright reported 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 13 at V and 900 Road, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 14 at Nucla Domestic Reservoir, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported White-throated Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 14 at Rose Garden, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On Ocotber 16 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported f Williamson’s Sapsucker.
MORGAN COUNTY:
---On October 12 at Jackson Reservoir, David Dowell reported 95 Sandhill
Cranes, 7 Black-bellied Plovers Red Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
2 White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrow.
OTERO COUNTY:
---On October 14 Tresa Moulton reported 6 WHOOPING CRANES flying at Picket
Wire Canyon S of Withers Canyon observed at Window Rock.
---On October 16 at Holbrook Lake, Stan Oswald reported juv Sabine’s Gull.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
RIO GRANDE COUNTY:
---On October 13 Dylan Hardy reported 400 Sandhill Cranes at Monte Vista
NWR.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
---On October 15 Gene Rutherford reported Common Tern at Union Reservoir.
YUMA COUNTY:
---On October 14 at Pipit Hill, Bill Kaempfer reported Chestnut-collared
Longspurs.
DFO Field Trip
The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, October 21 will be to Walden Ponds
Wildlife Habitat/Sawhill in Boulder led by Chuck Hundertmark (chundertmark8
AT gmail.com; 303-604-0531) Meet at 0800 at Cottonwood Marsh parking lot.
Directions: From northbound US 36 take Foothills Pakrway exit. Go north 2
miles to Arapahoe Ave, then east to 75th St. Go north on 75th St past
Valmont Rd and railroad tracks. Turn left at Wildlife Habitat sign.
Follow road west and south to Cottonwood Marsh parking lot.
Will wallk 1-2 miles on level ground Bring binoculars, snacks, and
water. Scopes are useful. Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 22 will be to Cherry Creek SP led by
Mary Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juno.com; 720-940-8394). Meet at 0800 at
Pelican Point.
Directions: Enter east side of Cherry Creek SP via Lehigh off of Parker
Road. Go just past the entrance station and turn left (South) at the first
intersection. The road bends and heads west with the reservoir ahead of
you. Go about ¼ miles, just past the next intersection. The parking for
Pelican Point will be on your left. State Parks pass or day pass
required. Will carpool from Pelican Point to various stops and walk 1-2
miles. Bring binoculars, water, snacks , and sunscreen. Scopes are
useful. Register online or contact leader.
Date: 10/16/17 8:08 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Around Arapahoe Co. (10/14 - 10/16)
On Saturday, October 14, I woke early and went owling at Blackmer Lake in Cherry Hills Village (Arapahoe). Through the darkness, I could see and hear that the lake was packed with Canada Geese, mallards, and some other duck that made a high pitched whine, though I don't think it was the high pitched whine of a Wood Duck. I worked on my screech owl call as I walked, getting a whole lot of nothing back at me most of the morning. Nearer to sunrise, though, I heard a Great Horned and, soon after, a whinnying screech.
I hung around the area until about 8:30, walking north on the High Line toward Quincy Ave. It was very birdy where the canal meets the road. A hundred or so robin passed over around sunrise, the three nuthatches foraged and called, a Hermit Thrush, juncos, White-crowned Sparrows, and towhees did their things in the brush. Closer to the lake, a series of small conifers -- Ponderosa Pines, maybe -- had another dozen or so Pygmy Nuthatches -- the most I've had in a west Arapahoe flock -- foraging alongside Black-capped Chickadees and a flock of Bushtits. But by the time I got back to the lake, it was empty. The geese had moved to the playing fields; all were Canadas, I think. The ducks seemed to have gone somewhere else.
Later that day, I took a cold, short walk through the wind at Willow Spring Open Space in Centennial. A half-dozen Mountain Bluebirds -- perhaps the same half dozen from the week prior -- worked the scrubby grasses and weeds on the southern side of the dam.
On Sunday (10/15), my wife, dog, and I took a walk a bit before sunset along the Big Dry Creek Trail near Cherry Knolls Park in Centennial. I heard another Pygmy Nuthatch and we got to check out an enormous & menacing Great Horned perched above the creek.
Even later on Sunday, I learned, through eBird, that a Steller's Jay had been seen in the neighborhood around deKoevend Park on Saturday. This is a bird I badly want for my local list (a 3 mile circle, centered near deKoevend). Having missed a rare enough opportunity to get one so close to my home stung enough to lead me to take a brief AM walk at deKoevend this morning (10/16) with my dog. I didn't bring my binoculars, assuming that I could spot a Steller's without them and knowing that the binoculars usually cause me to turn a mile walk into an hour long, stand-around-and-stare-at-the-underbrush-while-the-dog-pulls-on-his-leash affair. Without the binoculars, I managed a screech. And I'll spare you the story of how I thought a Song Sparrow could have been, just might have been, maybe was a Fox Sparrow. (It wasn't.) An oddity was a group of "diving" mallards. I got some video of them facing the current of the High Line Canal (which is running fairly high) and dropping entirely under the water before reemerging a few feet later. But no Steller's...bummer.
Back at home, I kept my feeder stocked with peanuts, mealworms, and sunflower seeds today. The pecking order on the platform feeder seems to be magpies, the lone visiting scrub jay, then Blue Jays. Collared Doves seem to be able to hold their own with the jays. Once the peanuts are gone, the House Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Black-capped Chickadees move in. Two Lesser Goldfinches, the first I've seen visiting my feeders rather than my flower garden, swung by. Then this one, which I spotted from my kitchen window, as I cooked dinner.
Castlewood Canyon continues to provide great birds for me. In addition to the persistent, vocal and numerous flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets and Barn Owl, not to mention the Palm Warbler two weeks ago, I found a Swainson's Thrush yesterday just below the climbing cliffs on the NW side of the park.
I thought I spotted a Hermit Thrush (I've seen several of them there before) low in the Gambel's Oak, but as the bird circled around me and perched within 20 feet, I had great looks: no red on the tail whatsoever; wings, tail, nape, crown all uniformly drab gray-brown. Sharply spotted on the breast.
Date: 10/16/17 4:11 pm From: Stanley W. Oswald <stanoswald...> Subject: [cobirds] Mountain birds on plains
This afternoon at Rocky Ford cemetery I had two Mountain Chickadees, a Pygmy Nuthatch, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, two Yellow-rumps (Audubon's), and a Downy Woodpecker in a single spruce tree. A Townsend's Solitaire was at the west edge of RF last week. A juvenile Sabine's Gull was at Holbrook Lake north of Swink this morning
Date: 10/16/17 2:36 pm From: ROBERT RIGHTER <rorighter...> Subject: [cobirds] Hats off to Cobirds
Hi:
From my humble opinion I think Cobirds is a tremendous asset for Colorado birding. The information is current, well organized with rare and interesting sightings, birds sightings are conveniently arranged by species and county, and most importantly is exquisitely managed by Joyce Takamine and her dedicated crew that never misses a beat decade after decade.
This morning I noticed a Lesser Black Backed Gull at Timnath Reservoir. It was larger than a nearby California Gull with a much darker back and only a single red spot on the bill. It was swimming towards the center of the lake.
Date: 10/16/17 10:46 am From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren...> Subject: [cobirds] Red Crossbill (type 2), Denver
Hi folks,
I recently moved to Denver, to the Park Hill neighborhood about a mile east of the science museum. I continue to be impressed and surprised by the variety of montane species occurring here, made possible certainly by the numerous mature tall conifers and many other tall trees. In addition to Red-breasted Nuthatches (in my backyard), Evening Grosbeak, Townsend's Solitaires, and Hairy Woodpecker in the past couple weeks, a couple days ago I heard the distinctive calls of a Type 2 Red Crossbill.
Date: 10/16/17 8:34 am From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Grandview Cemetery yesterday 10/15 (Fort Collins, Larimer)
I basically spent a full shift plus a couple hours of overtime at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins yesterday. I didn't intend to stay that long but the birds were exciting enough to eventually make me want to see what a daylight cycle (minus sunrise, which is a phenomenon my biological clock only hears rumors about) looks like.
No RBA species, really, just "rich" in species not often seen, behaviors, etc.
Four species new to my Grandview Cemetery list for 2017: Cassin's Finch, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow and Merlin.
The Cassin's Finch was a heard-only flyover. I thought I had heard one a week or so ago. Then studying the one, including its voice, at Roselawn Cemetery in eastern Ft. Collins, also last week, I pulled the trigger on the one heard today with more confidence.
The Lincoln's Sparrow spent most of the day picking things from the surface of the drying up ditch water (and hiding) south of the bridge going into the Equipment Yard (well south of the entry bridge). Never can figure out what they are getting. Their general stealth extends to their dietary habits.
The Gambel's white-crown, while certainly not rare at low elevation in CO after early October, is a once or twice-a-year kind of bird in the understory-challenged world of this cemetery. The recent change in management of the ditchbanks (i.e. letting them be more "rough" by less mowing, more tolerance of naturalized woody vegetation) may improve the prospects on that score. Looked to me like the sparrow (and juncos) were mostly after seeds of a Polygonum species growing as a weed along the road in the southeastern corner. As with the now-departed White-throated Sparrow and Hermit Thrush present in this same area last week, the white-crown may well have been getting European Buckthorn berries, also.
The Merlin, a prairie female (or immature), was T-ed up atop a large spruce in the center of the cemetery, I think hoping to score an early supper of House Finch or Red Crossbill.
[cid:feffbf99-f9ef-451d-96a1-6342c5973896]
Other flyovers heard only included American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are getting sparse (only 4 singles detected today). Adult psyllid hatch is essentially over, with zillions now mostly nestled into their overwintering sites amid and under scaly bark of spruce (mostly) and other trees, including hackberry. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet will probably overwinter on adult psyllids in the big northern hackberry known to locals as the "Cape May Tree" (ne corner of Section E).
I heard or saw Red Crossbills on three occasions during the visit. A single heard only soon after arriving sounded like a 2. A small heard only group that I think sneaked in to drink water from the ditch but zipped off before I figured this out, sounded like 4s (liquid, upslurred "quip", very different from the hard "kip" of 2s or 5s). Then a large group of about 15 were photographed near the Fireman Statue in the center of the cemetery getting blue spruce seeds, presumably 2s, judging by the size of beaks and sound (see male in attached photo).
[cid:7a1b6c74-1b03-4c77-bcb2-94ec6ad2c775]
The red-phase Eastern Screech-Owl, which has been seen very sporadically since its initial discovery on September 19 (who knows how long it was around before that), appeared very late in the day. Out of respect for the bird, that's all I'm going to say.
Total species: 25. Year List for Grandview Cemetery now stands at 97, which is about normal for this date and my lack of visitation in spring due to being out of the state. Species that could still show up: mountain corvids (Steller's or Woodhouse's Jays most likely), Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Snow Goose flyover, Varied Thrush, Wood Thrush, Common Redpoll, American Pipit flyover, Pine Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, stub-tailed wren, Green-tailed Towhee, Lapland Longspur flyover, Bohemian Waxwing and Evening Grosbeak flyover. 100 is my totally artificial goal every year, which should be achievable with reasonable luck and 50-75 visits scattered thru the seasons, more frequent during peak migration periods. I would love to see one of the two Fox Sparrows seen by David Wade in his yard only a couple blocks away. That would be a new species for Grandview, ever, but given the aforementioned lack of understory, the odds are probably against such an occurrence. Who knows?
Date: 10/16/17 3:16 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 16 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 16, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 16 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 14 at Barr Lake SP, Chip Clouse reported Brown Thrasher.
---On October 15 at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, field trip led by Candace
Johnson reported Common Loon, Burrowing Owl, and Sage Thrasher, Chris
Goulart also
reported 4 Lapland Longspurs.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 14 at Cherry Creek SP, Glenn Walbek reported Red-necked Grebe.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett. On
October 12 Kathy Carroll reported 60 Sandhill Cranes SW of Pritchett. On
October 12 Jim Dennis reported 30 Sandhill Cranes at Comanche National
Grasslands near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
---On October 14 Peter Burke reported Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mountain
Park.
---On October 15 Bob Spencer reported Common Tern at Prince Lake 2.
CONEJOS COUNTY:
---On October 15 at Sego Springs SWA, Jack Harlan reported 12 Sandhill
Cranes and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
---On October 14 at Garland Park Lollipop Lake, Mary Keithler reported
Greater White-fronted Goose.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 12 at Chatfield SP Marina’s Sandspit, Doug Kibbe reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 14 at Chatfield SP on DFO Field Trip led by Ed Holub a
Brewer’s Sparrow was seen.
EAGLE COUNTY:
---On October 15 at Spring Park Reservoir, Lori Pivonka reported 17
Cackling Geese.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
GARFIELD COUNTY:
---On October 13 Jo Ann Riggle reported Sage Thrasher at Fravert Reservoir.
---On October 15 at a private residence on Sweetwater Road, JoAnn Riggle
reported Summer Tanager. To try to
See the bird, contact Janet Rivera at 970-524-7799.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
---On October 15 at Main Reservoir in Lakewood, Art Hudak reported 3
Cackling Geese.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Lower Queens Reservoir, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported 2 Cattle Egret and 15 Sanderling.
---On October 13 at Queens SWA Check Station, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.
---On October 15 at Lower queens Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 2
Black-bellied Plovers, 27 Stilt Sandpipers, and 4 Semipalmated Sandpipers.
---On October 15 at Neegronda Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 5 Wood
Ducks, Pacific Loon, American Bittern, 24 Sandhill Cranes, Semipalmated
Plover, and 3 Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
---On October 15 at Neenoshe Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported Laughing
Gull, 2 Sandhill Cranes, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, 20
Chestnut-collared Longspurs, 5 McCown’s Longspurs, and Harris’s Sparrow.
---On October 15 at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported
Curve-billed Thrasher, Brown Thrasher, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted
Nuthatch, and 2 Winter Wrens.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
---On October 12 Nick Komar reported Eastern Phoebe at Pleasant Valley and
Lake Canal greenbelt at W Lake St in Fort Collins.
---On October 13 at TImnath Reservoir, David Wade and Nick Komar reported 6
Cackling Geese.
---On October 14 at Soapstone Prairie NA, David Wade, Georgia Doyle, and
Nick Komar reported Lapland Longspur.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MESA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Bridgeport, Mark and Denise Vollmer reported Nashville
Warbler and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Horsethief Canyhon SWA, Mike Henwood and David Price
reported Black Phoebe on Cottonwood snag on gravel bar in river.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 12 Tom McConnell reported Paciffic Loon at Big Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTEZUMA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
On October 15 Coen Dexter reported Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage
Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows. On October 15 at Airport Lake,
Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported 8 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Bedrock Campground and Boat Ramp, Coen Dexter and
Brenda Wright reported 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 13 at V and 900 Road, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 14 at Nucla Domestic Reservoir, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported White-throated Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 14 at Rose Garden, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
MORGAN COUNTY:
---On October 12 at Jackson Reservoir, David Dowell reported 95 Sandhill
Cranes, 7 Black-bellied Plovers Red Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
2 White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrow.
OTERO COUNTY:
---On October 14 Tresa Moulton reported 6 WHOOPING CRANES flying at Picket
Wire Canyon S of Withers Canyon observed at Window Rock.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
RIO GRANDE COUNTY:
---On October 13 Dylan Hardy reported 400 Sandhill Cranes at Monte Vista
NWR.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
---On October 15 Gene Rutherford reported Common Tern at Union Reservoir.
YUMA COUNTY:
---On October 14 at Pipit Hill, Bill Kaempfer reported Chestnut-collared
Longspurs.
DFO Field Trip
The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, October 21 will be to Walden Ponds
Wildlife Habitat/Sawhill in Boulder led by Chuck Hundertmark (chundertmark8
AT gmail.com; 303-604-0531) Meet at 0800 at Cottonwood Marsh parking lot.
Directions: From northbound US 36 take Foothills Pakrway exit. Go north 2
miles to Arapahoe Ave, then east to 75th St. Go north on 75th St past
Valmont Rd and railroad tracks. Turn left at Wildlife Habitat sign.
Follow road west and south to Cottonwood Marsh parking lot.
Will wallk 1-2 miles on level ground Bring binoculars, snacks, and
water. Scopes are useful. Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 22 will be to Cherry Creek SP led by
Mary Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juno.com; 720-940-8394). Meet at 0800 at
Pelican Point.
Directions: Enter east side of Cherry Creek SP via Lehigh off of Parker
Road. Go just past the entrance station and turn left (South) at the first
intersection. The road bends and heads west with the reservoir ahead of
you. Go about ¼ miles, just past the next intersection. The parking for
Pelican Point will be on your left. State Parks pass or day pass
required. Will carpool from Pelican Point to various stops and walk 1-2
miles. Bring binoculars, water, snacks , and sunscreen. Scopes are
useful. Register online or contact leader.
Final day of 2017 banding season started late because of COLD weather. While waiting for the sun to warm things up, we busied ourselves taking down nets that were already partly in the water - the lake is filling up fast. Highlight of the day was a spectacular Flicker Intergrade - lovely yellow on tail and underside of wings, but with a red-shafted head pattern. Relatively few birds banded:
Date: 10/15/17 6:25 pm From: Bob Spencer <spenceb...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Small Tern, Prince Lake 2 Boulder County
Common Tern at Prince Lake 2
I was able to get another look at the Prince Lake 2 tern (5PM), and was able to see a distinct dark carpal-bar, so I believe that it is a Common Tern.
Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland, Erie CO
On Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3:57:56 PM UTC-6, Bob Spencer wrote: > > There's a small tern on the west shore of Prince Lake 2 (3:30pm, Sun) with > black cap that extends down back of neck that looks like a match for Common > Tern or Least Tern, but it looks to be about a 1/3 the size of the nearby > Ring bill gulls, so possibly Least Tern? > > >
Date: 10/15/17 2:57 pm From: Bob Spencer <spenceb...> Subject: [cobirds] Small Tern, Prince Lake 2 Boulder County
There's a small tern on the west shore of Prince Lake 2 (3:30pm, Sun) with black cap that extends down back of neck that looks like a match for Common Tern or Least Tern, but it looks to be about a 1/3 the size of the nearby Ring bill gulls, so possibly Least Tern?
Date: 10/15/17 6:56 am From: Chip Clouse <chip.clouse...> Subject: [cobirds] Barr Lake Brown Thrasher Saturday
COBirders, As Meredith has already posted, the weather shut down the banding station so the Front Range Birding Company bird walk participants disappointedly spent a little time looking at stuffed ducks and feeder birds in the Visitor Center before venturing out on the boardwalk. We perked up while looking at the usual suspects out on the lake but then a return trip to the feeders yielded a handsome, but skulky Brown Thrasher, first spotted by Amy Cervene. As an eBird "box bird" I thought folks might like to try to refind it today.
Date: 10/15/17 3:03 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 15 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 15, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, October 15 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 14 at Cherry Creek SP, Glenn Walbek reported Red-necked Grebe.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett. On
October 12 Kathy Carroll reported 60 Sandhill Cranes SW of Pritchett. On
October 12 Jim Dennis reported 30 Sandhill Cranes at Comanche National
Grasslands near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
---On October 14 Peter Burke reported Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mountain
Park.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
---On October 14 at Garland Park Lollipop Lake, Mary Keithler reported
Greater White-fronted Goose.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 12 at Chatfield SP Marina’s Sandspit, Doug Kibbe reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 14 at Chatfield SP on DFO Field Trip led by Ed Holub a
Brewer’s Sparrow was seen.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
GARFIELD COUNTY:
---On October 13 Jo Ann Riggle reported Sage Thrasher at Fravert Reservoir.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Lower Queens Reservoir, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported 2 Cattle Egret and 15 Sanderling.
---On October 13 at Queens SWA Check Station, Alan and MarLuynne Ketcham
reported Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
---On October 12 Nick Komar reported Eastern Phoebe at Pleasant Valley and
Lake Canal greenbelt at W Lake St in Fort Collins.
---On October 13 at TImnath Reservoir, David Wade and Nick Komar reported 6
Cackling Geese.
---On October 14 at Soapstone Prairie NA, David Wade, Georgia Doyle, and
Nick Komar reported Lapland Longspur.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MESA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Bridgeport, Mark and Denise Vollmer reported Nashville
Warbler and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Horsethief Canyhon SWA, Mike Henwood and David Price
reported Black Phoebe on Cottonwood snag on gravel bar in river.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 12 Tom McConnell reported Paciffic Loon at Big Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTEZUMA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Bedrock Campground and Boat Ramp, Coen Dexter and
Brenda Wright reported 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 13 at V and 900 Road, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 14 at Nucla Domestic Reservoir, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported White-throated Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
MORGAN COUNTY:
---On October 12 at Jackson Reservoir, David Dowell reported 95 Sandhill
Cranes, 7 Black-bellied Plovers Red Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
2 White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrow.
OTERO COUNTY:
---On October 14 Tresa Moulton reported 6 WHOOPING CRANES flying at Picket
Wire Canyon S of Withers Canyon observed at Window Rock.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
RIO GRANDE COUNTY:
---On October 13 Dylan Hardy reported 400 Sandhill Cranes at Monte Vista
NWR.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
YUMA COUNTY:
---On October 14 at Pipit Hill, Bill Kaempfer reported Chestnut-collared
Longspurs.
DFO Field Trip
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 15 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Date: 10/14/17 11:46 pm From: William H Kaempfer <William.Kaempfer...> Subject: [cobirds] Boulder Audubon Field Trip to Yuma County
Cobirders,
Saturday, I began leading a Boulder Audubon Trip to Wray (home on Sunday). We went directly east on US 36, stopping first at Last Chance where we got our first taste of the day's weird weather as fog crept in and enveloped us as we birded. We didn't see much there, so not wanting to squander whatever decent weather we might encounter, we continued east. Beyond Anton, we had several hundred Sandhill Cranes scattered along the north side of the highway over several miles, but none on the south side!
Our first major stop was at Fox Ranch. [Although that this site is a private ranch owned and operated by The Nature Conservatory and has restricted access. That being said, however, access can be requested and arranged through the TNC.] Soon after disembarking, a loud Red Crossbill started calling and flying about. Two Harris's Sparrows were by the barns and two more were in with a large group of White-crowned Sparrows. Further along we found a Field Sparrow and a group of Eastern Bluebirds. But during our stay the wind had continuously increased to the point that it was making birding unproductive.
Nevertheless, we continued on to Pipit Hill by the old Bonny Reservoir. The wind here was howling and Sprague's Pipit eluded us, but there were a few Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Moving on to Wray, we crossed the stream and walked the back trail area at Stalker Lake. Winds were starting to ease back and things were pretty birdy and among our 20-some species at the spot we all had good looks at a Hermit Thrush.
If you are reporting a rare bird on private property and you think that it should go on the RBA please post to CoBirds. We only list rare birds on private property when we obtain landowner permission. If you only report to eBird it is not easy to contact you since only eBird reviewer have access to your contact information. Please indicate if the bird can be seen without entering the property and if you want to be contacted before visits and how? e-mail or phone. An address would be helpful. If you want to be contacted before visits you can give the address at that time.
Mother Nature was not kind to us on this second to the last day of banding this year! We had a lovely first run with a nice little flock of Juncos and other goodies, and then the fog rolled in. We stayed open for another 1 1/2 hours with little activity, as the fog got thicker; the nets got wet, forcing us to close. We headed up to the Nature Center to buy home-grown pumpkins at the Barr Lake Harvest Festival. Half-hour later, as we headed to our cars, the sun peaked through......it was probably lovely later in the day, but we got shut out! Here's what we caught before the weather failed us:
We will take down the station after banding on Sunday. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/14/17 12:58 pm From: Karl Stecher Jr. <kstecher...> Subject: re: [cobirds] Red-necked Grebe, Cherry Creek Res. Arapahoe Co.
Where at CCR?
---------------------------------------- From: "Gwalbek" <gwalbek...> Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2017 1:18 PM To: <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Red-necked Grebe, Cherry Creek Res. Arapahoe Co. Swimming with large group of Western Grebes.
Glenn Walbek Castle Rock, CO
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Droid
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Date: 10/14/17 12:00 pm From: Ben S <benrmnp...> Subject: [cobirds] Jaegar sp. Cherry Creek SP (Arapahoe county)
Hi all - Went to Cherry Creek Res around 10 AM today. Unfortunatly I didn't see the Red-necked Grebe, although I didn't see the post about until I got home. Jaegar was swimming on res near flock of gulls off Lake Loop, seen from Pelican Pt. Suprisingly, gulls were the ones who attacked it. I moved to Lake Loop and then Prairie Loop hoping for a closer view. Jaegar moved to SW side of res then to the dam. Was about ring-billed gull sized, pale brown torso, darker near tail, yellowish side of neck + some rufous-brown. Pale bill, dark tip, dark crown. Saw it flying, had white wing patches and I'm pretty sure light rump patch. Also worth noting were a dozen Blue-winged Teals, about one hundred Western Grebes, and a male Bufflehead in bright winter plumage. All the pics I got were digiscopped at high power, and are really bad. However, I hope these photos confirm it is a jaegar, and possibly will ID the species. Here is a link to my ebird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39917451. Here are the pics:
Date: 10/14/17 9:48 am From: Leon Bright <urraca2...> Subject: [cobirds] Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes along the Front Range
COBirders,
In the last issue (Vol. 51, No. 3, summer) of CFO's Colorado Birds, Tony Lukering and Steve Mlodinow have an article about bird subspecies of interest in Colorado. In it, among many other useful nuggets of information, they discuss ranges for the two subspecies of Sandhill Cranes. They describe the Greaters as mostly migrating in the mountains and west while the Lessers move fairly quickly over the eastern plains. When in Custer County (mountains) I see cranes in the fall moving generally west/southwest, probably toward the Greater Sandhill Crane staging area in the San Luis Valley. (A lone exception was a group of four irresolutely flying north early last week.) When in Pueblo County (just east of Custer), which is comprised of both mountains and plains, this fall the flocks of cranes I've seen recently have been flying fairly high in formation and due south. I wonder what the chances are that these cranes might be Lessers. Is direction of flight of multiple flocks along the eastern edge of the southern Front Range reliable for identifying these two subspecies?
Date: 10/14/17 3:14 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 14 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 14, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, October 14 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Mererdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett. On
October 12 Kathy Carroll reported 60 Sandhill Cranes SW of Pritchett. On
October 12 Jim Dennis reported 30 Sandhill Cranes at Comanche National
Grasslands near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 12 at Chatfield SP Marina’s Sandspit, Doug Kibbe reported
Sabine’s Gull.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GARFIELD COUNTY:
---On October 13 Jo Ann Riggle reported Sage Thrasher at Fravert Reservoir.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
---On October 13 at Lower Queens Reservoir, Alan and MaryLynne Ketcham
reported 2 Cattle Egret and 15 Sanderling.
---On October 13 at Queens SWA Check Station, Alan and MarLuynne Ketcham
reported Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
---On October 12 Nick Komar reported Eastern Phoebe at Pleasant Valley and
Lake Canal greenbelt at W Lake St in Fort Collins.
---On October 13 at TImnath Reservoir, David Wade and Nick Komar reported 6
Cackling Geese.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MESA COUNTY:
---On October 13 at Bridgeport, Mark and Denise Vollmer reported Nashville
Warbler and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Horsethief Canyhon SWA, Mike Henwood and David Price
reported Black Phoebe on Cottonwood snag on gravel bar in river.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 12 Tom McConnell reported Paciffic Loon at Big Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTEZUMA COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 13 at Bedrock Campground and Boat Ramp, Coen Dexter and
Brenda Wright reported 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On Ocot ber 13 at V and 900 Road, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
MORGAN COUNTY:
---On October 12 at Jackson Reservoir, David Dowell reported 95 Sandhill
Cranes, 7 Black-bellied Plovers Red Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
2 White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrow.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
RIO GRANDE COUNTY:
---On October 13 Dylan Hardy reported 400 Sandhill Cranes at Monte Vista
NWR>
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black=bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 15 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
This is our last weekend - We will take down the station after banding on Sunday. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/13/17 9:27 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] No Jaeger at Pueblo Reservoir 10/13
Hi all,
This post is mainly to let anyone who was thinking of making the trip to Pueblo this weekend to see the previously reported juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger, that the bird seems to be not present this morning - so this post might save people the long trip. It was quite windy yesterday, and it likely left then. I scoped all the places I had seen the bird on Monday to Wednesday and a few other places and no Jaeger to be found. As most of you know, Pueblo Reservoir is a big reservoir and rare birds that I think are gone sometimes reappear at some other part of the reservoir (like last year's adult Black-legged Kittiwake). I will certainly post, if the bird does show up again.
If anyone does come to Pueblo this fall or winter, please let me know if you find anything rare, like any scoters, rare loons, or rare gulls, or anything else. I always try to help other birders see rare things that I find around here when I can and they ask.
The Jaeger was seen by nine other birders as far as I know, which isn't too bad for Monday to Wednesday bird.
Date: 10/13/17 8:20 am From: <stevenelarson...> Subject: [cobirds] Kit Carson County
Hello All,
Doing bird surveys in Kit Carson County this week has produced a few interesting sightings. I had a Harris' Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and, last week, a couple of Eastern Phoebes. One of the more amazing things for me has been the number of Sandhill Cranes moving through the area. Tuesday and Wednesday I had about 6,500 moving South in groups ranging from a dozen to several hundred. They would start moving around 11:00 AM and continue until evening. I found one group of about 500 feeding in a field early in the morning on Wednesday. I think these birds are feeding in ag fields in the area before things warm up enough to produce thermals they use to gain altitude for the flight South. This is really fun to watch.
Enjoy,
Steve Larson
Date: 10/13/17 3:21 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 13 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 13, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Friday, October 13 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Meterdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett. On
October 12 Kathy Carroll reported 60 Sandhill Cranes SW of Pritchett. On
October 12 Jim Dennis reported 30 Sandhill Cranes at Comanche National
Grasslands near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 12 at Chatfield SP Marina’s Sandspit, Doug Kibbe reported
Sabine’s Gull.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
---On October 12 Nick Komar reported Eastern Phoebe at Pleasant Valley and
Lake Canal greenbelt at W Lake St in Fort Collins.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 12 Tom McConnell reported Paciffic Loon at Big Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
MORGAN COUNTY:
---On October 12 at Jackson Reservoir, David Dowell reported 95 Sandhill
Cranes, 7 Black-bellied Plovers Red Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
2 White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrow.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
SUMMIT COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black=bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip for Tuesday, October 10 will be to Ken Caryl Valley Area
led by David Suddjian (dsuddjian AT gmail.com; 831-713-8659)
This trip is full.
The DFO Field Trip for Thursday, October 12 will be to Rueter-Hess
Reservoir led by Mark Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juco.com; 720-940-8394).
Meet at 7:30 at Barr CCC Park 18964 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker which is
located on the SW corner of Main St and 20 Mile Rd. Rueter-Hess is only
open to the public with entry permission. Bring a scope if you have one.
Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 16 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Date: 10/12/17 4:38 pm From: 'Hugh Kingery' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] The Big Sit! Franktown
We've conducted a The Big Sit! on the roof of our house for 16 years. The one last Sunday produced more species than we have had in any of the previous ones -- 42. We tallied 29 raptors, of 7 species, including a Goshawk that eBird didn't like. It flew into a ponderosa pine at the top of the cliff and provided adequate views through the scope.
We always hope for strings of migrating Sandhill Cranes, and we did have one flock of 30 cranes, far away. Another flock of 23 birds that we expected to be cranes banked in the sunlight and turned into Am. White Pelicans.
Otherwise, our typical fall assortment, although it included all three nuthatches and did not include the Lesser Goldfinches that we saw here the day before (nor have we seen any since).
We have acquire two female & one cock Ring-necked Pheasant; we have several theories about their progeny.
As we looked & scoped, we also enjoyed a quiche, deviled eggs, croissants, and Tiramisu.
Hugh Kingery
Franktown, CO
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Not much activity today, but two cool birds - Our first Mountain Chickadee since 2007 (when we, strangely enough, caught 12), and an Oregon Junco banded last year. We know birds like Juncos return to their wintering grounds year after year, but we don't get evidence of that very often. Here are the 10 new birds we caught today:
Red-shafted Flicker 1 Mountain Chickadee 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 1 Song Sparrow 3 Dark-eyed Junco, Grey-headed 2 Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon 1 banded last year
This is our last week - We will take down the station after banding on Sunday. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/12/17 3:32 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 12 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 12, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, October 12 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Meterdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
On October 11 Jim Dennis reported 60 Sandhill Cranes near Pritchett.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
---On October 11 Ryan Bushong reported Eastern Phoebe at Warembourgh Open
Space in Louisville.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
---On October 9 at Chatfield SP Swim Beach, David Suddjian reported
Sabine’s Gull.
---On October 8 at South Platte Reservoir access road, David Suddjian
reported 4 Clay-colored Sparrow’s.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade. On October 11 at Maple and FIshback, David
Wade and John Shenot reported Fox Sparrow.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover. On October 11 at Arapahoe Bend NA, Josh
Bruening reported Black-bellied Plover.
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
---On October 12 Norm Lewis reported 200 Sandhill Cranes at Evilsizer Lake.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Lukw reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom.
---On October 11 at Yampa River SP at Maybell Bridge, Steve Weston reported
imm Broad-winged Hawk.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
---On October 11 at Silver Hawk Ranch, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported Brewer’s Sparrow and Sagebrush Sparrow.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir. On October 11 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and Richard
Bunn reported Long-tailed Jaeger which seemed to be moving around the
reservoir. On October 11 Brandon Percival reported juv Sabine’s Gull and
Sandhill Cranes in SE part of reservoir.
SUMMIT COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black=bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip for Tuesday, October 10 will be to Ken Caryl Valley Area
led by David Suddjian (dsuddjian AT gmail.com; 831-713-8659)
This trip is full.
The DFO Field Trip for Thursday, October 12 will be to Rueter-Hess
Reservoir led by Mark Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juco.com; 720-940-8394).
Meet at 7:30 at Barr CCC Park 18964 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker which is
located on the SW corner of Main St and 20 Mile Rd. Rueter-Hess is only
open to the public with entry permission. Bring a scope if you have one.
Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 16 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Started slow and cold but then picked up, with a good flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers followed by a flock of Juncos. Also caught our third Creeper for the season and a nice Red-eyed Vireo. Here's the breakdown for the 30 new birds:
Come visit! This is our last week - We will take down the station after banding on Sunday. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Three of us got decent looks at the Long-tailed Jaeger swimming on the water in SE part of the reservoir in the last few minutes. Also, Common and Forster's Terns on a South marina tires, a juvenile Sabine's Gull flew fly and Sandhill Cranes as well.
Date: 10/11/17 10:27 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Pueblo Reservoir Long-tailed Jaeger YES 10/11
Just got an update (11:20am) from Richard Bunn, that the Jaeger is currently being seen at Pueblo Reservoir, near the dam, closer to North East part of the Reservoir still.
Brandon K. Percival Pueblo West, CO
On 10/11/17, Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote: > Leon Bright and I were able to see the Long-tailed Jaeger near the dam > as of 15 minutes ago, swimming in the waves. It has become quite > windy this morning at Pueblo Reservoir, good luck to everyone trying > for the bird today, hopefully everyone can find it. > > Brandon K. Percival > Pueblo West, CO > > On 10/11/17, Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote: >> I am on a bluff between N-1 Road and Sailboard Road in the NE part of >> Pueblo Reservoir and I see the Long-tailed Jaeger swimming on the water >> pretty far out on the lake toward the dam. >> >> Brandon K. Percival >> Pueblo West, CO >> >> Sent from my Android >> > > > -- > Brandon Percival > Pueblo West, CO >
Date: 10/11/17 9:03 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Steller's Jay in Pueblo West, Pueblo Co. 10/11
I just saw and photographed a Steller's Jay in my yard in Pueblo West! The Mountain Chickadees are all over today too, I saw a flock of like 12 at Pueblo Reservoir, and also in my yard too. The mountain birds are really wandering around the lowlands this fall so far!
Date: 10/11/17 8:40 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Pueblo Reservoir Long-tailed Jaeger YES
Leon Bright and I were able to see the Long-tailed Jaeger near the dam as of 15 minutes ago, swimming in the waves. It has become quite windy this morning at Pueblo Reservoir, good luck to everyone trying for the bird today, hopefully everyone can find it.
Brandon K. Percival Pueblo West, CO
On 10/11/17, Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote: > I am on a bluff between N-1 Road and Sailboard Road in the NE part of > Pueblo Reservoir and I see the Long-tailed Jaeger swimming on the water > pretty far out on the lake toward the dam. > > Brandon K. Percival > Pueblo West, CO > > Sent from my Android >
Date: 10/11/17 7:20 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Pueblo Reservoir Long-tailed Jaeger YES
I am on a bluff between N-1 Road and Sailboard Road in the NE part of Pueblo Reservoir and I see the Long-tailed Jaeger swimming on the water pretty far out on the lake toward the dam.
Date: 10/11/17 6:45 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Four Sabine's Gulls at Pueblo Res.
Currently looking at four juvenile Sabine's Gulls off West Fishing Road at Pueblo Reservoir. This part of the lake isn't steamy, so I can see things well. The Dam area looks steamy, so might be a little bit before I have a Jaeger update.
Date: 10/11/17 6:21 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Oct 9-10: Chatfield and Ken Caryl region
*Oct 9*
During the snow I visited several spots at Chatfield, but found the lake with few birds (and limited visibility), and other than *Mountain* and *Western Bluebirds* there was not really evidence of anything moving around because of the snow. The model air field area had an *American Pipit* and a *Say's Phoebe*. The Swim Beach had a *Sabine's Gull*. A *Merlin* was near the Marina. The view down to the Platte inlet from the new heronry overlook included *Lesser Black-backed Gull*, 7 *Dowitcher sp.* (presumably LBDO), and 1 *Solitary Sandpiper*. The upland habitats there had 2 tardy *Clay-colored Sparrows* and a *Green-tailed Towhee*.
South Platte Res had an *American Pipit *along the Jeffco portion of the shoreline, but no waterbirds visible during my visit. There was a flock near the first bend of the entry road that had 4 *Clay-colored Sparrows* in sunflowers with many goldfinches.
Back home at Ken Caryl Valley, as the day went on quite a few *Steller's Jays* moved into my home area, and I had 6 at once time in my yard. Both *Western *and *Mountain Bluebirds* were around, and after the snow cleared out I saw a late *Turkey Vulture* move south. 6 *Cassin's Finches *visited my feeders late in the day.
*Oct 10*
An absolutely gorgeous day with the great combo of blue sky, snow cover and fall color. But DFOs field trip to Ken Caryl Valley met with a cold start at 24 degrees and limited bird activity. But we eeked out birds here and there. Highlights were a *Clay-colored Sparrow*, *Townsend's Solitiares*, *Lincoln's Sparrow*, *bluebirds*, a number of *Steller's Jays*, *Orange-crowned Warblers*. An *Evening Grosbeak* staged a brief fly over. At Hine Lake at Robert A. Easton Park some dabbling ducks had come in, with 2 *Buffleheads*, about 105 *Redhead* and about 290 *Ring-necked Ducks*, among others. Two *Blue-winged Teal *were later than most for the local area.
At home in Ken Caryl Valley there was still at least 1 *Broad-tailed Hummingbird*. I visited the *White-throated Swift* roosting cliff at Deer Creek at the Lyons Hogback twice in the late afternoon, and saw one White-throated Swift still present at about 3:45 pm, but none were evident close to 5 pm. I had two flocks of southbound *Sandhill Cranes*: about 30 flying over my home at 3:41 pm, and 11 over South Valley Park at 4:14 pm.
Date: 10/11/17 3:10 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 11 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 11, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, October 11 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
Tundra Swan (El Paso)
Surf Scoter (Las Animas)
Red-necked Grebe (Boulder)
Sandhill Cranes (*Baca, Boulder, El Paso, *Montrose)
Black-bellied Plover (Boulder, Larimer, Park, Washington)
American Golden-Plover (Adams, Kiowa, Park, Washington)
Semipalmated Plover (Summit)
Mountain Plover (*Baca)
Red Knot (Kiowa)
Sanderling (Pueblo)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Washington)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Larimer)
Red-necked Phalarope (Dolores)
Red Phalarope (Boulder, Jefferson)
Jaeger Species (Adams)
Parasitic Jaeger (Las Animas)
Long-tailed Jaeger (*Pueblo)
Sabine’s Gull (*Arapahoe, Pueblo)
Caspian Tern (Washington)
Pacific Loon (Moffat)
Broad-winged Hawk (Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Grand)
Lewis’s Woodpecker (*Montrose)
Least Flycatcher (El Paso)
Eastern Phoebe (Weld)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Montrose)
Cassin’s Kingbird widespread in Colorado in recent weeks, eg, (Douglas, El
Paso)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Morgan)
Eastern Bluebird (El Paso)
Tennessee Warbler (El Paso)
Nashville Warbler (Adams, La Plata, Pueblo)
Palm Warbler (Arapahoe)
Pine Warbler (Denver)
Brewer’s Sparrow (*Montrose)
Lark Sparrow (Clear Creek)
Sagebrush Sparrow (*Douglas, *Montrose)
Fox Sparrow (La Plata, *Larimer)
White-throated Sparrow (Boulder, *Larimer, Montezuma)
Summer Tanager (El Paso)
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Meterdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP. On October 10 Bob Righter reported an imm
Sabine’s Gull next to the dam on the west side of Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BACA COUNTY:
---On October 10 near Pritchett, Jim Dennis reported 10 Sandhill Cranes.
---On October 10 near Walsh, Janeal Thompson reported 102 Mountain Plover
in a field being drilled with wheat.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
---On October 10 at Chatfield SP Model Airplane Field, Dale Pate reported
Sagebrush Sparrow.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins. On October 10 in the morning David Wade reported Red Fox
Sparrow at Maple and Fishback but around noon Wade reported a different Fox
Sparrow a possible intergrade.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover
---On October 8 and October 10 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped
White-throated Sparrow at Grandview Cemetery.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Lukw reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason and Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons. On October 10 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright
reported 4 Sandhill Cranes and Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
---On October 10 at Cooper’s Ditch, Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter reported
Lewis’s Woodpecker and Sagebrush Sparrow.
---On October 10 at Airport Lake, Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported
Brewer’s Sparrow and 3 Sagebrush Sparrows.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Long-tailed Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road. On
October 10 at Pueblo Reservoir, Brandon Percival and John Drummond reported
juv Long-tailed Jaeger. The bird seems to prefer the NE part of the
reservoir.
SUMMIT COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black=bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip for Tuesday, October 10 will be to Ken Caryl Valley Area
led by David Suddjian (dsuddjian AT gmail.com; 831-713-8659)
This trip is full.
The DFO Field Trip for Thursday, October 12 will be to Rueter-Hess
Reservoir led by Mark Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juco.com; 720-940-8394).
Meet at 7:30 at Barr CCC Park 18964 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker which is
located on the SW corner of Main St and 20 Mile Rd. Rueter-Hess is only
open to the public with entry permission. Bring a scope if you have one.
Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 16 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Date: 10/10/17 10:53 pm From: Janeal Thompson <janealthompson...> Subject: [cobirds] Mountain Plover Baca County October 10, 2017
This afternoon, I saw 102 Mountain Plovers near Walsh in a field being drilled with wheat. A CPW officer told me yesterday, he had seen two flocks around 50 each north of Towner, CO on 06Oct2017 in fields being planted. I suspect any field with drilling going on will have some plovers based on my past experience. This is the final week for planting for insurance purposes.
Date: 10/10/17 8:20 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Long-tailed Jaeger update from Pueblo Reservoir 10/10 pm
The juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger was seen and photographed this afternoon 10 October, around 3pm in the NE part of Pueblo Reservoir.
Several people asked if I could post to cobirds tomorrow morning, if the bird is present or not. I will be out there, and will report as soon as I see it, or if it seems to not be around, after searching for it.
Date: 10/10/17 7:27 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Cemeteries (Weld and Larimer) on 10Oct17
OK, call me crazy but I visited four cemeteries in one day and lived to tell about it: Eaton, Linn Grove in Greeley (both Weld), Roselawn and Grandview in Fort Collins (Larimer).
Eaton
Common Grackle (estimate of 5,000, could have 10,000, didn't have enough fingers and toes) - totally made birding by ear a useless pursuit
Mountain Chickadee (at least 3)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2)
Linn Grove (16th Ave. a few miles e of US85 outerbelt in northeastern Greeley)
Mountain Chickadee (at least 2)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (at least 2)
Black-capped Chickadee (5)
[Mute Swan - 2, begging mercilessly to be fed and considered countable]
Roselawn (n side of US14 e of Summit View Drive)
Mountain Chickadee (2)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (at least 2)
Cassin's Finch (1f)
[cid:97e7c142-a358-4e98-938d-0582762b0323]
Grandview Cemetery (west end of Mountain Ave., FC)
Mountain Chickadee (1)
Bushtit (5)
Red Crossbill (at least 25 of 2 different types (5 and 4?)
White-throated Sparrow (1i tan-striped, still in the southeastern corner feasting mostly on cathartic buckthorn berries)
Hermit Thrush (1, also eating European Buckthorn berries in the se corner)
Considering the entire day:
*Beautiful weather.
*Hackberry gall-making psyllids mostly hatched east of Fort Collins, moving into spruce to overwinter in bark (and where most of the migrant songbirds were that weren't actually in hackberry)
*No warblers besides Yellow-rumps and one Orange-crowned. No crane flyovers. No solitaires. Only one thrush besides robins. Lots of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-breasted Nuthatches (interior types), Chipping Sparrows (Eaton and Greeley).
This was a privilege-to-live-in-Colorado day - crisp, sunny, beautiful day after a snow storm! It was 8:30 before we got any nets open and we didn't catch many birds, but it was a lovely day and we had enough birds to share with one of our favorite schools that visits every year - Hemphill Middle Schoolers from Strasburg. A flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers made the day:
Come visit! This is our last week - We will take down the station after banding on Sunday. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/10/17 2:55 pm From: 'Hugh Kingery' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Little Sit!
We just did a Little Sit! in our driveway in order to count flocks of cranes. 2:30-3:45 pm.
We estimate 680 Sandhills in 7 flocks. Headed SWly towards east Castle Rock & Larkspur. Also an Osprey, perched in a dead pine on the cliff above the house, devouring a very large fish. Total species count, around 12.
I'll report on The Big Sit! at our house tomorrow.
Hugh Kingery Franktown, CO
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Date: 10/10/17 2:22 pm From: ROBERT RIGHTER <rorighter...> Subject: [cobirds] Cheery Creek Res
Hi
No explosion of nifties from the north.
High lights
1imm Sabine’s Gull, still present, feeding on the water surface, adjacent to the dam on the west side
1 ad. Lesser Black-backed Gull seen in amongst the gull flock at Pelican Point while 12-15 Sandhill Cranes were flying south giving their pre-historic rattling calls.
Date: 10/10/17 10:51 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Pueblo Reservoir Jaeger -- LONG-TAILED JAEGER 10/9-10
Today's photos were better, and people are now leaning toward Long-tailed over Parasitic. The bird seems to be hanging out in the Northeast part of Pueblo Reservoir, between N-1 Road and Sailboard Road. Hopefully it stays longer, and more people can see it. The bird is often seen swimming in the water, and sometimes, flies around, not chasing gulls at all, so far. The bird hasn't been very close to shore, when people have been seeing it, so photos taken have been far away photos. You'll certainly need a spotting scope to see this bird, somewhat well. Always fun to see a jaeger in Colorado. This is the 3rd Long-tailed, we've had at Pueblo Reservoir. Fall of 2011, 2014, and now 2017! Every three years!
Date: 10/10/17 9:35 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: White-throated Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
The snow & cold took branches around my neighborhood and didn't give much back. No hummers or other noticeable arrivals, save a third junco joining the two that showed up before the snow. The neighborhood's visiting scrub jay is still making occasional forays to my platform feeder. It and the Blue Jays and magpies seem to just be scattering the shell on peanuts around my neighborhood. And the White-throated Sparrow, rather predictably, hasn't gone anywhere. It doesn't come out from the brush, though, nearly as often as the Spotted Towhees and juncos do.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
On Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 4:39:39 PM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > This afternoon, I spent some time in the back of my yard, looking for a > small song bird that I'd earlier seen up in the trees. That was probably a > House Finch, but the leaf litter below those trees was busy. Moving in > after a Spotted Towhee was a White-throated Sparrow, both scratching around > for bird seed. This was a new yard bird for me. And it's an especially > gratifying one, as the White-throated Sparrow is among my favorite birds > for all the singing it does in the woods around my wife's hometown in > northern Minnesota. > > Around the yard: My first yard junco of the season stopped by this morning > and a scrub jay has been visiting, along with the magpies and Blue Jays, my > platform feeder for in-shell peanuts. (The scrub jay is now noisily > attacking the cruddy PetSmart suet that I recently purchased and that the > woodpeckers seem to be avoiding.) At one point, it seemed to me that a > magpie was dampening a peanut in my bird bath. At a minimum, it flew from > the platform feeder to the bird bath, put the peanut down in the bath, took > a few drinks, retrieved its food, then flew off. So perhaps it was only at > the water for a drink. I couldn't tell. I've seen crows soften food in > water, but not yet magpies. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO > > >
Date: 10/10/17 3:09 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 10 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 10, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, October 10 sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
Tundra Swan (El Paso)
Surf Scoter (Las Animas)
Red-necked Grebe (Boulder)
Sandhill Cranes (Boulder, El Paso)
Black-bellied Plover (Boulder, *Larimer, Park, Washington)
American Golden-Plover (Adams, Kiowa, Park, Washington)
Semipalmated Plover (Summit)
Red Knot (Kiowa)
Sanderling (*Pueblo)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Washington)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Larimer)
Red-necked Phalarope (Dolores)
Red Phalarope (Boulder, Jefferson)
Jaeger Species (Adams)
Parasitic Jaeger (Las Animas, *Pueblo)
Sabine’s Gull (Arapahoe, *Pueblo)
Caspian Tern (Washington)
Pacific Loon (*Moffat)
Broad-winged Hawk (Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Grand)
Least Flycatcher (El Paso)
Eastern Phoebe (Weld)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Montrose)
Cassin’s Kingbird widespread in Colorado in recent weeks, eg, (Douglas, El
Paso)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Morgan)
Eastern Bluebird (El Paso)
Tennessee Warbler (El Paso)
Nashville Warbler (Adams, La Plata, Pueblo)
Palm Warbler (Arapahoe)
Pine Warbler (*Denver)
Lark Sparrow (Clear Creek)
Sagebrush Sparrow (*Montrose)
Fox Sparrow (La Plata, Larimer)
White-throated Sparrow (Boulder, *Larimer, Montezuma)
Summer Tanager (El Paso)
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Meterdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
---On October 9 Doug Kibbe reported Pine Warbler at Fort Logan National
Cemetery.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper. On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Naturnal Area, Lori Zabel
reported Black-bellied Plover
---On October 8 Dave Leatherman reported tan-striped White-throated Sparrow
at Grandview Cemetery.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Lukw reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom. On October 8 Forrest Luke reported Pacific Loon at WRMC Ponds
south of Craig.
On October 9 Jason Beason reported Pacific Loon at Big Bottom.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
---On October 8 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright reported Sage brush Sparrow
at Nucla Sewage Lagoons.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
---On October 9 Brandon Percival reported Parasitic Jaeger, Sanderling at
South Shore Marina, and 2 juv Sabine’s Gulls at West Fishing Road.
SUMMIT COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black=bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip for Tuesday, October 10 will be to Ken Caryl Valley Area
led by David Suddjian (dsuddjian AT gmail.com; 831-713-8659)
This trip is full.
The DFO Field Trip for Thursday, October 12 will be to Rueter-Hess
Reservoir led by Mark Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juco.com; 720-940-8394).
Meet at 7:30 at Barr CCC Park 18964 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker which is
located on the SW corner of Main St and 20 Mile Rd. Rueter-Hess is only
open to the public with entry permission. Bring a scope if you have one.
Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 16 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Date: 10/9/17 2:38 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Jaeger and other stuff at Pueblo Reservoir, Pueblo Co. 10/9
I got some lousy photos of the jaeger, when I was alone in the SE Corner of Pueblo Reservoir. Bill Maynard came down from the Springs, and he and I saw it pretty well in flight, and Pearle and Clif also saw it.
If anyone has opinions on what it is, that would good to hear. Juvenile jaeger identification is not my favorite thing.
Before the other birders came, I saw a Sanderling and four Common Terns at South Shore Marina area.
The four of us went over to West Fishing Road at Pueblo Reservoir, and saw two juvenile Sabine's Gulls, Common Tern, and Peregrine Falcon. Bill and I saw a flock of dowitchers fly by as well.
When the weather is lousy, like today, that is when the rare stuff seems to come to Pueblo Reservoir.
Our 2-3 resident Broad-tailed Hummingbirds have been gone from our feeder
since September 30, we were thrilled and surprised to have a Broad-tailed
Hummingbird at our feeder this morning. 32 degrees and snowing pretty good
with around 4 inches on the deck rail. It drank and rested under our deck
for about 15 minutes before going to the neighbors hummer feeder. So glad
we left our feeder out as David had recommended. I suspect this individual
is a migrant.
Date: 10/9/17 9:35 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Jaeger at Pueblo Reservoir right now
Just saw a dark Jaeger at Pueblo Reservoir out from South Shore Marina. I am at Sailboad looking across the lake. It landed on the water, going to go back over to South marina hoping for closer looks.
Date: 10/9/17 9:12 am From: Pat Hayward <pandion2006...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Sandhill Cranes, Colo Spgs, El Paso Co, Sunday night
That is really interesting, because Friday night we experienced what sounded like a large number of Sandhill Cranes flying over our campsite in the Rita Blanca National Grasslands in the very northwest corner of the Texas panhandle. We heard several groups between 9:00 and 10:00 pm. They'd just had some heavy but isolated thunderstorms in the area that morning and afternoon. I found some info online that it has been documented, but couldn't find much more than that about night migrations for Sandhills
-- Pat Hayward Masonville CO at 5400' west of Fort Collins
Date: 10/9/17 8:22 am From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] Sandhill Cranes, Colo Spgs, El Paso Co, Sunday night
Hey COBirders,
(no CSR banding today - so catching jays at my house).
Last night I did some “hot tub birding” about 9:30, and had several Sandhill Cranes calling as they flew over high. The wind was just picking up then, and I lost the calls before I could spot them, to count. I haven’t observed or heard of night migrations by these guys, and wasn’t sure if this was just to be ahead of the front, or if it is a regular occurrence. Still pretty cool.
Stay warm
Steve Brown
NW Colo Spgs
(Mountain Shadows neighborhood)
Date: 10/9/17 7:32 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Ken Caryl area and Littleton, 10-8 and 10/9
There are still 3 *Broad-tailed Hummingbirds* at the feeders my yard this
morning, in the snow at 30 degrees. I've had 3-4 Broad-taileds each of the
last few days, so this is status quo. A hatch year *White-throated Sparrow*
showed up briefly this morning, there was a fly over *Cassin's Finch*, and
a *Townsend's Solitaire* has been singing down the street - a wonderful
accent in the snow.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (sorry for the low light)
Yesterday 10/8 I made a brief stop at 3:50 pm to check for *White-throated
Swifts *at the Deer Creek spot during lovely conditions. There were about
17 swifts present at that time around the roost cliff, with a good deal of
calling. There are a lot of junipers in that area, and I heard or saw
9 *Townsend's
Solitaires*, and a *Prairie Falcon* flew by. At home yesterday there were 2
fly by *Evening Grosbeaks* and a pair of adult *Golden Eagles* soaring to
the west. Golden Eagle is known to have nested at Ken Caryl Valley, but I
infrequently see pairs.
Also 10/8, I was interested to observe a pair of *Common Ravens* building a
nest at Aspen Grove shopping center in Littleton off Santa Fe. I've added a
picture below of one raven on the nest on a ledge under the eave of the
Kirkland's store. Although ravens are regular year round in the City of
Littleton, they are slightly spotty in their presence and I don't recall
nesting evidence. Yesterday the very vocal pair was bringing sticks to the
nest and repositioning sticks. Since the ledge and surrounding area are
very clean, I think this is a new nest being built. I'll have to look up
how odd it may or may not be for nest building in October, but I can't
remember seeing that activity at this time.
Common Raven at upper left, building a nest, Littleton
Date: 10/9/17 3:35 am From: Joyce Takamine <jabirujt...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 09 October 2017
Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 9, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 9 sponsored by Denver Field
Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
ADAMS COUNTY:
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant Jaeger near the nature cenyer
at Barr Lake Sp.
---On October 4 Meterdith McBurney Banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 6 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
BOULDER COUNTY:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported Red-necked Grebe and Black-bellied
Plover at Terry Lake. Both birds
Continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an imm Red Phalarope at Lagerman Reservoir,
also seen by Bill Kaempfer and Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by Mark
Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
---On October 8 Luke Pheneger reported fly over juv Broad-winged Hawk, 20+
Sandhill Cranes, and juv While-throated Sparrow at Golden Ponds in Longmont.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported Lark Sparrow in Empire Town Park.
DENVER COUNTY:
---On October 8 Chris Brobin reported Broad-winged Hawk at DIA.
DOLORES COUNTY:
---On October 7 Erik Henderickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake.
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr and Caslewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood Canyon
SP.
EL PASO COUNTY:
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne and Alan Ketcham.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler just north of Chico
Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
---On October 8 John Bruder reported 3 fly over Sandhill Cranes on Santa Fe
Trail.
---On October 6 Aaron Yappert reported a Least Flycatcher was banded at
Chico Basin Ranch.
---On October 7 Steve Getty reported 1st- year light phase Broad-winged
Hawk.
GRAND COUNTY:
---On October 8 Steve Weston reported Broad-winged Hawk at Rocky Mt NP
Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
---On October 4 Lorraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP—S Platte River Delta.
---On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported Black Phoebe at Deer Creek Inlet
at Chatfield SP. It was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
KIOWA COUNTY:
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported Red Knot at Lower Queens Reservoir.
LA PLATA COUNTY:
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported Nashville Warbler at Pastorius
Reservoir.
---On October 8 Jason St. Pierre reported 2 Slate-colored Fox Sparrows at
Oxbow Park and Preserve.
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:
---On October 2 Glenn Walbek reported Parasitic Jaeger and 18 Surf Scoter
in the middle of nowhere in Commanche NG.
LARIMER COUNTY:
---On October 8, David Wade reported Fox Sparrow at Maple & Fishback in
Fort Collins.
---On October 8 at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area – Rigden Reservoir (Strauss
Cabin Lake), Amy Davis reported Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated
Sandpiper.
MOFFAT COUNTY:
---On October 5 Jan Leonard and Forrest Lukw reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, Southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by
Vic Zerbi.
On October 8, Jan Leonard and Tresa Moulton reported Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom.
MONTROSE COUNTY:
---On October 2 Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright found and photographed a
TROPICAL KINGBIRD near Nucla. The bird was seen again on October 3. The
area is mile and half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC
road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. The
bird was not found on October 4.
PARK COUNTY:
---On October 8 at Antero Reservoir, John Drummond reported 2 Black-bellied
Plovers and American Golden-Plover.
PUEBLO COUNTY:
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
SUMMIT COUNTY:
---On October 8 Erick Hendrickson reported Semipalmated Plover and
White-throated Sparrow at Summit Reservoir.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
---On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt. On October 6 Tim Smart reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported Black-bellied Plover and American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported Caspian Tern at Prewitt
Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported Broad-winged Hawk at Last Chance Rest
Area.
WELD COUNTY:
---On October 5 Dave Leatherman reported Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird,
and 900 + Sandhill Cranes at Crow Valley Campground.
---On October 8 Gene Rutherford reported Eastern Phoebe at Windsor
Reservoir.
DFO Field Trips
The DFO Field Trip for Tuesday, October 10 will be to Ken Caryl Valley Area
led by David Suddjian (dsuddjian AT gmail.com; 831-713-8659)
This trip is full.
The DFO Field Trip for Thursday, October 12 will be to Rueter-Hess
Reservoir led by Mark Cay Burger (mcburger3 AT juco.com; 720-940-8394).
Meet at 7:30 at Barr CCC Park 18964 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker which is
located on the SW corner of Main St and 20 Mile Rd. Rueter-Hess is only
open to the public with entry permission. Bring a scope if you have one.
Register online or contact leader.
The DFO Field Trip For Saturday, October 14 will be to Chatfield SP led by
Edmind J Holub (Edmund.holub AT gmail.com;303-989-2194)
Meet at swim beach at 0800 by entering west entrance of Park off S.
Wadsworth, 1.6 miles south of C-470. State Parks pass or day pass
required.
Be prepared to walk 1 to 1.5 miles.
The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, October 16 will be to Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR led by Candice Johnson (candice.johnson AT childrenscolorado.org.;
303-329-8131).
This trip is full
Date: 10/8/17 6:18 pm From: Stephen Getty <sgetty...> Subject: [cobirds] Broad-winged Hawk, El Paso Co.
COBirders,
Fountain Creek Regional Park was very slow for migrants yesterday (too warm, sunny?). Amongst the migrant dribble, I did have moving through a first year, light phase Broad-winged Hawk.
Date: 10/8/17 5:57 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Golden Ponds 10/8
I went over to Golden Ponds today hoping to catch any late migrants or birds just starting migration. Here were the highlights-
Possible Cackling Goose: in a flock Canada Geese looked much smaller as it flew over but I couldn't refind it in any of the ponds.
Wood Duck: Female in the private lake
Turkey Vulture(2) probably the last ones ill see this year.
Broad Winged Hawk: a quick flyover juvenile. I was hoping it would kettle or circle around for a bit, but it seemed to be on a mission and didn't stick around long.
Sora: continuing from the reeds next to the bike path.
Sandhill Crane: about 20 flying over, but this was just an estimate as they were pretty high up. Possibly more like 25 or even 30.
Mountain Chickadee(4) seem to be hanging around a bit lower for a while now.
Townsends Solitare: Heard calling only
I was hoping to catch some interesting Warblers or Flycatchers, but it was really quite. I was only able to find about 10 YRWA, 2 OCWA, 1 WIWA and 0 empids.
White throated Sparrow:a juvenile staying low with a small flock of White Crowned Sparrows.
Lincolns Sparrow(1) possibly the last one I'll se this year.
Date: 10/8/17 5:40 pm From: Jeff Parks <lastimout...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Large Gull on Baseline Res - ID unknown
Well, I have had a few replies, and the most common suggestion is that it is a first-year Herring Gull. It does look very much like one of the photos on allaboutbirds.org, so I have no reason to doubt that this is a pretty solid ID. I don't remember where I saw it, but I completely agree with the simplified Gull ID methodology that someone posted in a blog somewhere: "There are only two kinds of gulls, white guls and grey gulls." I guess this one is a grey gull ...
We are CLOSED tomorrow (Monday) as our regular day off. We will likely open late on Tuesday, if the weather reports are correct about the temperature for Tuesday morning! This is our last week......We will take down the station after banding on Sunday, 10/15.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/8/17 3:39 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] White-throated Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
This afternoon, I spent some time in the back of my yard, looking for a small song bird that I'd earlier seen up in the trees. That was probably a House Finch, but the leaf litter below those trees was busy. Moving in after a Spotted Towhee was a White-throated Sparrow, both scratching around for bird seed. This was a new yard bird for me. And it's an especially gratifying one, as the White-throated Sparrow is among my favorite birds for all the singing it does in the woods around my wife's hometown in northern Minnesota.
Around the yard: My first yard junco of the season stopped by this morning and a scrub jay has been visiting, along with the magpies and Blue Jays, my platform feeder for in-shell peanuts. (The scrub jay is now noisily attacking the cruddy PetSmart suet that I recently purchased and that the woodpeckers seem to be avoiding.) At one point, it seemed to me that a magpie was dampening a peanut in my bird bath. At a minimum, it flew from the platform feeder to the bird bath, put the peanut down in the bath, took a few drinks, retrieved its food, then flew off. So perhaps it was only at the water for a drink. I couldn't tell. I've seen crows soften food in water, but not yet magpies.
Date: 10/8/17 9:03 am From: Aaron Yappert <ayappert...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Report - Final Summary
Well that's a wrap folks.
We finished up the 2017 season on Friday after a bit of a rollercoaster
week. We started the week well with 61 and 62 birds banded on Monday and
Tuesday but followed it up with only 7 birds on Wednesday as rain forced us
to close the nets after 45 minutes. Thursday was back up into the low 40s
but Friday, our last day was a wash as more rain kept us closed.
In Week 5 we banded 166 birds including our first *Brown Creeper, Cedar
Waxwing, Curve-billed Thrasher, Downy Woodpecker, *and both *Red-shafted
and Intergrade Flickers. *We also had our first *Least Flycatcher* of the
fall, the station has caught one every year since it's opening and we
managed to get this fall's bird on the last day of banding.
Season Recap:
911 birds of 60 species through 5 weeks of banding. Two station firsts: *Baltimore
Oriole *and *Pacific Wren.*
*Wilson's Warblers*, as expected, made up the bulk of our birds. We banded
291 of them this fall. *Lincoln's Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warblers, and
Ruby-crowned Kinglets* also made up a large percentage of our birds.
Interesting birds that we never caught but were seen in and around the
station included a *Pygmy Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Red-headed
Woodpecker, *and of course, David Tønnessen's *Tropical Kingbird. *
Thanks to everyone that came down to the station and shared our birds and
we hope to see some of you in the Spring.
Date: 10/8/17 4:58 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, October 8, 2017.
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, October 8, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
Tundra Swan (*El Paso)
Surf Scoter (Las Animas)
Red-necked Grebe (Boulder)
Sandhill Cranes moved through Colorado in numbers on October 5 & 6,
reported from Larimer, Weld, Boulder, Adams, Denver, Arapahoe, El Paso, &
Pueblo Co.
Black-bellied Plover (Boulder, Washington)
American Golden-Plover (Adams, *Kiowa, *Washington)
Red Knot (*Kiowa)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Washington)
Red-necked Phalarope (*Dolores)
Red Phalarope (Boulder, Jefferson)
JAEGER, species to be determined (Adams)
PARASITIC JAEGER (Las Animas)
Sabine’s Gull (*Arapahoe)
Caspian Tern (Washington)
Pacific Loon (Moffat)
Common Loon (*Douglas)
Broad-winged Hawks are migrating, with 38 individuals reported from 13
counties during the past 8 days.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Montrose)
Cassin's Kingbird widespread in Colorado in recent weeks, eg, (Douglas, El
Paso)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Morgan)
Eastern Bluebird (El Paso)
Wood Thrush (*Lincoln)
Purple Finch (El Paso)
Tennessee Warbler (*El Paso)
Nashville Warbler (Adams, *Arapahoe, La Plata, Pueblo))
CONNECTICUT WARBLER (Lincoln)
Palm Warbler (*Arapahoe)
Lark Sparrow (Clear Creek)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Arapahoe)
Summer Tanager (El Paso)
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden-Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by
Mautitz.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis and Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant JAEGER near the nature
center, at Barr Lake SP, species to be determined.
---On October 4 Meredith McBurney banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 5 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at a new
hotspot, “First Creek at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR”.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
---On October 2 & 3 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at
his home in Centennial.
---On October 3 & 5 John Breitsch reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at First
Creek at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
---On October 7 Cheri Phillips reported a Nashville Warbler at her home.
---On October 7 Jonelle Balais and Bruce Cyganowski reported a Sabine’s
Gull at Cherry Creek SP.
---On October 7 Art Hudak reported a Palm Warbler (Western) from Centennial
Park.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through October 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by
Mark Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
*CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported a Lark Sparrow in the Empire Town
Park.
*DOLORES COUNTY:*
---On October 7 Erik Hendrickson reported 2 Red-necked Phalaropes at Glade
Lake. This is only the third eBird record for the county.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported a Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr. and Castlewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood
Canyon SP.
---On October 6 & 7 Tim Ryan reported a Common Loon at Rueter-Hess
Reservoir (restricted access).
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported a Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne Ketcham & Alan Ketcham.
---On October 4 Alan Versaw reported a Purple Finch in his yard.
---On October 4 Richard Bunn reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at Finch Rd,
reached by going south from Hanover Rd, just east of Peyton Hwy.
---On October 7 Steve Brown reported a Tundra Swan at Clear Spring Ranch.
---On October 7 Kiki Widjaja reported a Tennessee Warbler from just north
of Chico Basin Ranch, on the S Peyton Hwy, just south of Loop Rd.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On October 4 Loarraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP--S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP; it was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
---On October 7 Steve Mlodinow reported a Red Knot at Lower Queens
Reservoir.
*LA PLATA COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported a Nashville Warbler from Pastorius
Reservoir.
*LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Glenn Walbek reported that on October 2 he saw a PARASITIC
JAEGER and 18 Surf Scoters in middle of nowhere in the Commanche NG.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 4 Mark Peterson reported a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and a Wood
Thrush on private property “in the middle-of-nowhere.”
---On October 7 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Wood Thrush from a private ranch.
*MOFFAT COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Jan Leonard & Forrest Luke reported a Pacific Loon at Big
Bottom, southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan & by Vic
Zerbi.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
The bird was seen again On October 3. It likes the area a mile and a half
west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road.
This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They did not find it on
October 4.
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported a Nashville Warbler at Valco Ponds SWA.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers. Tim Smart and David Dowell reported it on October 2. Tim Smart
saw
two there on October 6.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 7 Tim Smart reported a Broad-winged Hawk from the Last Chance
Rest Area.
*WELD COUNTY:*
---On October 6 David Leatherman had a variety of expected migrants
including Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird, White-throated Sparrow and
900+ Sandhill Cranes.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*TODAY!*
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or
**303-978-1748
<(303)%20978-1748>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, including some real rarities! Bring chairs, breakfast, lunch,
dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes, and field guides. *This
is a public event and there *
*is no need to register.*
*TODAY!*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or **303-941-4881 <(303)%20941-4881>** and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or
**303-333-2519
<(303)%20333-2519>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*12 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
I stopped by Baseline Reservoir this afternoon to see what was hiding out, and the first thing I saw was a large grey Gull in with several Ring-Billed Gulls. I quickly snapped a few pictures before scrutinizing it through the binoculars before it took off. It was significantly larger than the RBGU's, with a dark beak and pink legs. Based on the color, I suspect it is a first- or second-year bird. Once home, I tried to identify it using Sibley, and the closest I came was a Western Gull. Does anyone have any ideas on this one? I am still working on Gull ID's, and this one is not common around here.
Date: 10/7/17 6:54 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] White-throated Swifts at the Lyons hogback at Deer Creek. JeffCo
Several weeks ago I reported on *White-throated Swifts* at a roost on a
cliff on the Lyons Formation hogback where it is dissected by Deer Creek. A
recent photo of the cliff in question is below.
Swifts have been continually active in the vicinity of the cliff each time
I have visited the area late in the day, but have not been reliable at
other times. I have not viewed the cliff in the late afternoon for a couple
of weeks, but I did on Oct 5, 6 and 7. There were still good numbers of
swifts present each date. It is hard for me to gauge the total number that
might be around over an extended period of the afternoon, and they both
enter and exit the roost. But I report my estimates of swifts in view "at
one time" (during one complete scan) -- Oct 5: 90; Oct 6: 80; Oct 7: 40.
The lower count on Oct 7 may be due to a later timing of my visit.
On Oct 5 a bunch of swifts shot into the favored roost crack as early as
4:06 pm, but they may well have come back out. On Oct 6 there were high
winds blasting from the west that I thought were up to 50 mph, and steadily
30-40 mph, and these aero-masters went about their racing around with no
apparent loss of control or of verve in maneuvering at the cliff face. When
they flew downwind they were moving incredibly fast. Tonight they were
actively entering and exiting two cracks at 6:05 pm. I heard vocalizations
a little bit during each visit, but only a little bit. Even tonight, as a
Red-tailed Hawk soared across the cliff face less than 2 feet from the
roost crack, the swift cloud just dispersed in silence for a moment and let
the hawk glide through.
It will be interesting to visit again after this coming cold front.
David Suddjian
Ken Caryl Valley
Littleton, CO
Lyons Formation hogback at Deer Creek, near W. Buckhorn Drive
After days of iffy weather, it was wonderful to have a lovely sunny fall morning, which we shared with lots of visitors, who enjoyed a wide variety of common but interesting birds. Sparrows dominated, as would be expected in October, but we had at least 1 each of 5 warbler species. Most interesting were some juncos that we had trouble getting down to subspecies and an unusually marked Townsend's Warbler that we spent a lot of time deciding was not some kind of hybrid. Here's the breakdown of the 29 new birds:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
A few juvenile Pinyon Jays showed up at our house a little while ago, on the ridge above the pavilion at the South Bay of Horsetooth Reservoir County Park.
Date: 10/7/17 3:24 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins (Larimer) the last two days
Friday, October 6th, highlights were:
Red Crossbill, probably Type 4 or one of the other small-billed types, 18, in spruce in northeast corner (seen also by David Wade)
[cid:a542057f-75ea-4125-a019-8237cbff5571]
Bluebird sp. (6 flying se to nw (that is, right into the wind), probably Mountains, FOY for bluebirds at the site
Sandhill Crane (flock of 68, high and heading south, FOY at Grandview)
Pygmy Nuthatches continue, may overwinter at site for first time (that I know of)
Hackberry gall-making psyllids beginning to hatch (lots of yellow-rumps and other species in hackberry)
Gray Flycatcher (all gray, no hint of yellow anywhere, very high in champ honeylocust in middle of Section 8, beak narrow, long and sharply black-tipped, even eyering). Debated about this being Dusky, but width of tail base plus examination of underside of beak in photos led to ID of Gray.
Sapsucker (heard only, along the south edge, probably Red-naped)
White-throated Sparrow (young, tan-striped, in southeastern corner with juncos near pumphouse late in visit)
[cid:0df49de2-1c78-4116-a882-6fbd3a1a4274]
Bushtit (at least 10, in hackberry eating emerging gall-making psyllid adults)
Spotted Towhee (female, along ditch north of entry bridge, east side)
Turkey Vulture (2)
Hackberry psyllid hatch is picking up steam. As long as the weather stays nice, hackberries will be highly attractive to migrant songbirds. Party might be over, or at least suspended, starting Monday until it is >50 degrees F again.
Date: 10/7/17 2:22 pm From: Joey Kellner <vireo1...> Subject: [cobirds] THE BIG SIT! - Sunday at Chatfield State Park - Douglas
Hello Again Fellow COBIRDERS!
The Big Sit is almost here! Are you looking to do some fun birding tomorrow...Sunday? Come work on your Douglas and Jefferson County lists! This year's Big Sit weather looks interesting with the approaching cold front...who knows what might precede the front!
What is a "Big Sit" you ask?
Well a Big Sit is similar to the birding event called a "Big Day", in both events participants try to count as many species as possible, the difference is that in a Big Day you travel all over a geographical area whereas during a Big Sit you sit (or stand) in one location (a 17-foot diameter "circle") and count as many species seen or heard as possible. This is a worldwide event and as of this posting there are already over 100 Big Sit "circles" registered for this year's event!
The Denver Field Ornithologists will once again sponsor and I will host "The Big Sit!" at Chatfield State Park Sunday, October 8th. This will be the 15th year for this fun and frivolous event. It is open to the public and EVERYONE is welcome! It will be held from dawn to dusk, come for an hour or three or stay all day, whatever works for your schedule. In addition to a day list I will perform hourly counts so that every hour there are "new" birds to be added to the hour's count.
"The Big Sit!" at Chatfield will be located at the Heronry Overlook on the east side of the reservoir. Just follow the signs located at both entrances. Bring your own chair or use the bench seating provided by the heronry overlook deck. Bring binoculars, spotting scope (if you have), food, water, treats to share or whatever you need to spend time birding! State Parks will be providing a canopy for shade from the sun/heat, or shelter from rain.
Last night, long time member Jeane Hageman went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to thank the DFO members who enhanced her life through their fellowship and sharing their love of birds.
Date: 10/7/17 11:23 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Mountain Bluebirds - Centennial (Arapahoe)
I had some errands to run in east Centennial (Arapahoe) today, so I stopped at Willow Spring & Holly Park on my way over. Six Mountain Bluebirds continue. This morning, all were at Willow Spring Open Space, in the field beyond the reedy marsh along the trail in from the Holly St parking lot. There were also two Orange-crowned Warblers at the open space. White-crowned Sparrows at both locations, a junco & raven at Holly Park. Not much else, but these were brief stops.
There also seemed to be more (Orange?) sulphur butterflies with the Painted Ladies today. Perhaps I'd just missed them on previous outtings, and I've been noticing them around my yard for the past few days, but I noticed several at each stop, including around the strip mall parking lots in east Centennial.
Finally, yesterday afternoon, I had a brief visit from a scrub jay at my home in west Centennial. Lots of visits from Red-breasted Nuthatches. I've also been hearing, but not spotting, a White-breasted Nuthatch.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
On Friday, October 6, 2017 at 12:16:12 PM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > My dog and I took a walk this morning at Willow Spring Open Space & Holly > Park in west Centennial (Arapahoe). I hoped to find one of those Cassin's > Kingbirds that everyone's reporting, and these two spots seemed as good as > any in the area for them. Nope, at least not today. But a half dozen > Mountain Bluebirds were a nice consolation; two were at Holly Park and the > others were along the eastern edge of Willow Spring. These were my first > fall Mountain Bluebirds in the Centennial area, and also my first of these > birds at both locations. At Willow Spring, there were also a half dozen or > so White-crowned Sparrows. I had my first Townsend's Solitaire of the > season there as well, though Cynthia Madsen and Ben Sampson reported them > in Centennial in late-September. A single hummer flew over me at one point, > too high and backlit to even hazard an ID. > > Back at home, no sign of the Green-tailed Towhee that had taken the place > of the Golden-crowned Sparrow. I may spend the next hour or so working > outside, in hopes of those Boulder-area Sandhill Cranes cutting a bit > farther east on their southward voyage. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO >
Date: 10/7/17 10:29 am From: Becky Campbell <3rdgenbirder...> Subject: [cobirds] Blue Jay and Painted Lady
Birdy morning in my yard, with four Blue Jays in the mix plus a FOS junco. About an hour ago I saw a Blue Jay swoop to the ground with a Painted Lady. In trying to position it in his beak, he dropped it once then grabbed it again and quickly consumed it whole. I thought it was interesting in light of the fact that several yards away were mixed seed feeders, suet, and earlier I had put out peanuts in the shell which had eagerly been toted off by the four jays.
Becky Campbell Arapahoe Cty. just so. of Cherry Creek State Park
Date: 10/7/17 10:02 am From: KevyGudGuy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] FOS Junco in west Centennial, Arapahoe County
Hello Fellow Birders,
Yesterday (10/6) I saw the first junco to visit my little townhouse yard near Arapahoe & Holly this season. Winter's coming...
Keep Smilin', Kevin
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Date: 10/7/17 7:32 am From: Ben S <benrmnp...> Subject: [cobirds] Pygmy Nuthatch Centennial (Arapahoe County)
Hi all-
Had six or seven Pygmy Nuthatches in my yard just 10 to 20 minutes ago. Well, technically never in my yard. They flew over me and into nearby tree. I got a recording of them and will post it on ebird. The group of Pygmy Nuthatches then flew down by the stream next to my house and disappeared. The whole thing happened within a minute. Interestingly, the birds ignored my Douglas fir. Seems to have been a very good fall for Pygmy Nuthatches in the metro area, I was waiting for this species to get on my yard list. Also present was a Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, that has been here since September 1st, as well as the second Ruby crowned Kinglet in my yard, high in my Doug fir.
Date: 10/7/17 4:46 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, October 7, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, October 7, at 0545, sponsored by
Denver Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
Surf Scoter (Las Animas)
Red-necked Grebe (Boulder)
Sandhill Cranes are moving through Colorado in numbers, as reported 10/5 &
10/6 from Larimer, Weld, Boulder, Adams, Denver, Arapahoe, El Paso, &
Pueblo Co.
Black-bellied Plover (Boulder, Washington)
American Golden-Plover (Adams, Washington)
Dunlin (Adams)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Washington)
Red Phalarope (Boulder, Jefferson)
JAEGER, species to be determined (Adams)
PARASITIC JAEGER (Las Animas)
Caspian Tern (Logan, Washington)
Pacific Loon (*Moffat)
Common Loon (*Douglas)
Broad-winged Hawk (Adams, *Boulder, Douglas)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Kiowa)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Montrose)
Cassin's Kingbird widespread in Colorado in recent weeks, eg, (Douglas, El
Paso)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Morgan)
Eastern Bluebird (El Paso)
Wood Thrush (Lincoln)
Purple Finch (El Paso)
Nashville Warbler (Adams, La Plata, *Pueblo))
CONNECTICUT WARBLER (Lincoln)
Magnolia Warbler (El Paso, Weld)
Black-throated Green Warbler (Lincoln)
Lark Sparrow (Clear Creek)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Arapahoe)
Summer Tanager (El Paso)
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden-Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by
Mautitz.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis & Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant JAEGER near the nature
center, species to be determined.
---On October 4 Meredith McBurney banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 5 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
---On October 2 & 3 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at
his home in Centennial.
---On October 3 & 5 John Breitsch reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at First
Creek at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through Oct 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by
Mark Minner-lee.
---On October 6 Bill Kaempfer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Green
Mountain Cemetery.
*CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported a Lark Sparrow in the Empire Town
Park.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported a Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr. and Castlewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood
Canyon SP.
---On October 6 Tim Ryan reported a Common Loon at Reueter-Hess Reservoir
(restricted access).
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported a Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne Ketcham & Alan Ketcham.
---On October 4 Alan Versaw reported a Purple Finch in his yard.
---On October 4 Richard Bunn reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at Finch Rd,
reached by going south from Hanover Rd, just east of Peyton Hwy.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On October 4 Loarraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP--S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP; it was seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LA PLATA COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported a Nashville Warbler from Pastorius
Reservoir.
*LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Glenn Walbek reported that on October 2 he saw a PARASITIC
JAEGER and 18 Surf Scoters in middle of nowhere in the Commanche NG.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
---On October 4 Mark Peterson reported a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and a Wood
Thrush on private property “in the middle-of-nowhere.”
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MOFFAT COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Jan Leonard reported a Pacific Loon at Big Bottom,
southwest of Craig. It was seen again on October 6 by Jan and by Vic Zerbi.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
The bird was seen again today. It likes the area a mile and a half west of
Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road. This is one
half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They did not find it on October 4.
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
---On October 6 Mark Yaeger reported a Nashville Warbler at ValcoPonds SWA.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers, then Tim Smart and David Dowell reported it on October 2.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
---On October 6 David Leatherman had a variety of expected migrants
including Eastern Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird, White-throated Sparrow and
900+ Sandhill Cranes.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or *
*303-978-1748*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, including some real rarities! Bring chairs, breakfast, lunch,
dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes, and field guides. *This
is a public event and there *
*is no need to register.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or **303-941-4881** and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or *
*303-333-2519*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*6 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Thank you so much for all your responses. I posted the information on our
local NextDoor site, and people are leaving their feeders up as suggested.
Deborahann Smith-Cleveland
North Boulder.
On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 8:13 AM, Doug Ward <dougward...> wrote:
> Debrahann,
>
>
>
> I had a similar quandary several years ago in North Idaho where we’d
> accidentally left a feeder out well into October. Didn’t remember we’d
> left this particular feeder up (out of sight, out of mind) until we had an
> Anna’s show up in the yard. I’d been of the understanding that leaving
> feeders up didn’t affect the birds migratory behavior, but felt the need to
> reach out to some hummingbird experts I know as we were expecting a very
> cold stretch, and they confirmed this position. Now that Anna’s have moved
> into our area up there, we actually keep at least one feeder up all Winter,
> with a heater, as we’ve had them in every month of the year now.
> Interestingly, unless it gets pretty cold, they actually don’t come in
> often as they seem to forage primarily on insects, even when it’s near zero
> out.
>
>
>
> So, I wouldn’t worry about leaving your feeder up, and as Scott pointed
> out, you may end up with an oddball.
>
>
>
> Good Birding,
>
> Doug
>
> Denver…& Coeur d’Alene, ID
>
>
>
> PS – There are some fascinating articles out there about how hummingbird’s
> metabolism changes with the seasons and locations, particularly the
> *Calypte* hummers, such that their bodies need different nutrients to
> cope with the different climates during the year.
>
>
>
> *From:* <cobirds...> [mailto:<cobirds...>] *On
> Behalf Of *Deborahann S-C
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 04, 2017 3:36 PM
> *To:* Colorado Birds
> *Subject:* [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
>
>
>
> There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether
> hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in.
> Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather
> than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Deborahann Smith-Cleveland
>
> North Boulder
>
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Foggy, cool day with almost no birds around. Oohed and aahed over our first Blue Jay of the year, caught a Chickadee that we banded in 2015 and banded only 7 other birds. Here's the breakdown:
Blue Jay 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 banded in 2015 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 3 Song Sparrow 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/6/17 11:16 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Mountain Bluebirds - Centennial (Arapahoe)
My dog and I took a walk this morning at Willow Spring Open Space & Holly Park in west Centennial (Arapahoe). I hoped to find one of those Cassin's Kingbirds that everyone's reporting, and these two spots seemed as good as any in the area for them. Nope, at least not today. But a half dozen Mountain Bluebirds were a nice consolation; two were at Holly Park and the others were along the eastern edge of Willow Spring. These were my first fall Mountain Bluebirds in the Centennial area, and also my first of these birds at both locations. At Willow Spring, there were also a half dozen or so White-crowned Sparrows. I had my first Townsend's Solitaire of the season there as well, though Cynthia Madsen and Ben Sampson reported them in Centennial in late-September. A single hummer flew over me at one point, too high and backlit to even hazard an ID.
Back at home, no sign of the Green-tailed Towhee that had taken the place of the Golden-crowned Sparrow. I may spend the next hour or so working outside, in hopes of those Boulder-area Sandhill Cranes cutting a bit farther east on their southward voyage.
Date: 10/6/17 11:03 am From: jebondhoward <jebond333...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] cranes over Lagerman 5 min. ago (Bldr Cnty)
Circling high above Gunbarrel right now! Happy day!
Julia Bond-Howard Boulder, CO
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 6, 2017, at 11:46 AM, Linda Andes-Georges <andesgeorges...> wrote: > > ... about 75 cranes probably now over Boulder. Enjoy the chorus, everyone! > > > > Linda Andes-Georges > Boulder County (W of Lagerman, N of Haystack, E of Table Mtn) > [Jean-Pierre says: W of Paris, S of Quebec, E of Tahiti] > 8417 Stirrup Ln > Longmont CO 80503 > Tel. 720 668 5214 > > > > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAE3C87E-7055-4C22-AE98-DBE5062A21BA...> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Date: 10/6/17 10:46 am From: Linda Andes-Georges <andesgeorges...> Subject: [cobirds] cranes over Lagerman 5 min. ago (Bldr Cnty)
... about 75 cranes probably now over Boulder. Enjoy the chorus, everyone!
Linda Andes-Georges Boulder County (W of Lagerman, N of Haystack, E of Table Mtn) [Jean-Pierre says: W of Paris, S of Quebec, E of Tahiti] 8417 Stirrup Ln Longmont CO 80503 Tel. 720 668 5214
Date: 10/6/17 9:05 am From: Doug Ward <dougward...> Subject: [cobirds] Downys and the Honeylocust Bean Weevil
While on the topic of bird feeding behavior, thought I'd finally follow up on the Downy Woodpecker/locust pod story I'd included in a post a few weeks back. You'll note David Leatherman provided a very interesting explanation - they are after Honeylocust Bean Weevils. So with continued Downy activity in the locust tree out front, at least three (3) different individuals, I did investigate more thoroughly. Sure enough, after checking a couple of pods, found the pupa of one of these little buggers.
Locust Pod Weevil Grub in Seed-cropped.jpgLocust Pod Weevil Larvae-cropped.jpg
Much larger than I was expecting, so hence the thought the woodpecker was taking the seed itself. On that note, our Downies are pretty sloppy eaters leaving these everywhere:
Locust Pod post Downy Lunch-cropped.jpg
So, once again Dave provides us another layer of learning and enjoyment to our own personal study of birds. This is what makes Nature so rewarding to embrace.
Good Birding,
Doug
Denver
PS - Dave, still need to track down your article.
From: Doug Ward [mailto:<dougward...>] Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 6:59 AM To: 'DAVID A LEATHERMAN' Subject: RE: [cobirds] Painted Lady butterfly fact sheet
David,
Thanks for the information on the Honeylocust Bean Weevil (like that moniker the best). By all means I'm going to check the pods more closely when I get home - on the road with work again this week. Very interesting stuff you pass on. One of these days I'm hoping to get out in the field with you. Thanks again for the note.
Cheers,
Doug
From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN [mailto:<daleatherman...>] Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2017 3:46 PM To: <dougward...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Painted Lady butterfly fact sheet
Doug,
Thanks for the anecdotes about the Painted Ladies. The reason I asked the question is that my impression is that they are not particularly tasteful to birds. Like you pointed out, some birds seem to be able to tolerate it, most don't care for them. I suppose it is like humans and egg plant. I saw a Pygmy Nuthatch today drop one in tact. I took that as a rejection. So far folks have said they've seen Peregrines and Common Grackles take them. You would think based on where they are most observable, Western Kingbird would be near the top of the list. I've never thought of their coloration as aposomatic, but maybe it is.
The DOWO is after a pea weevil called the Honeylocust Seed Beetle (also called Honeylocust Bean Weevil, Honeylocust Pea Weevil). I wrote about this in my "The Hungry Bird" column in "Colorado Birds" (V50No.1, Jan2016). If you are a CFO member supposedly you can read it archived on the CFO website. I just watched this at length a week or so ago in Hasty CG and figured out that the woodpecker taps along the pod and is able to detect which ones are infested from the outside of the pod! Once detected, then the woodpecker whacks into the pod, chips thru the seed coat and pulls out the developing weevil. At this time of year, the majority I was able to uncover the other day at Hasty are pupae, with a few being larvae. Some adults, which come in houses and are harmless but I suppose somewhat of a nuisance pest to people who are bit anal about insects, have already emerged. Pic of an adult on a honeylocust bean from which it emerged attached.
Cheers,
Dave
_____
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Doug Ward <dougward...> Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2017 12:48 PM To: 'COBIRDS' Subject: RE: [cobirds] Painted Lady butterfly fact sheet
Following up on the interesting notes and encounters related to this year's Painted Lady irruption, as well as David's request for predation by birds feedback, I have an interesting (at least I thought so) anecdote to add to the mix. Unfortunately for me, I've been swamped with work so far this fall, so haven't had the chance to get out any place more exotic than our house here in southwest Denver (Denver Co.) - I work from home. Fortunately, however, we only live a block from Huston Lake Park, and have a big yard, so the urban birding is actually pretty good.
Enough of my woes, and on to the story. Yesterday (Sat., 23 Sept.) morning while working away, noticed a SAY'S PHEOBE out back, then surprisingly he was joined by a juvenile WESTERN KINGBIRD. After watching the Kingbird catch, beat the...poop.out of, then down a large grasshopper, I watched him take after a Painted Lady only to turn back at the last second. So, the young bird's instinct, and the insect's toxic coloration seemed to be in play. However, a little later the Pheobe took after, caught, then ate one of the butterfly's as its wings fluttered to the ground. Sooo, could considering a Painted Lady prey be a learned behavior? I thought it was interesting that two species from the same family, one that specializes in eating insects, behaved so differently - so there's one to ponder David.
While on the topic of feeding behavior that I hadn't observed before, also yesterday we had an adult male DOWNY WOODPECKER climbing around and hanging on ripe locust tree seed pods like a parrot. He drilled into and fed on its seeds, at least that's what it looked like. Has anyone noticed animals besides squirrels exploiting this overly abundant crop?
So there's the story - waiting for the second half.
Go Broncos,
Doug
Denver
24 Sept.'17 So. Alcott St., Denver, Denver Co.
Canada Goose - 8
Ring-billed Gull - 1
Rock Pigeon - 20
Eurasian Collared-Dove - 4
Downy Woodpecker - 1m
Northern Flicker - 3 "Red-shafted"
Say's Pheobe - 1
Western Kingbird - 1 imm
Blue Jay - 5
Black-capped Chickadee - 4
American Robin - 1
White-crowned Sparrow - 1 imm "Gamble's"
Red-winged Blackbird - 10
House Finch - 10
From: <cobirds...> [mailto:<cobirds...>] On Behalf Of Maureen Blackford Sent: Friday, September 22, 2017 8:40 PM To: <daleatherman...>; COBIRDS Subject: RE: [cobirds] Painted Lady butterfly fact sheet
While driving south on I25, there were numerous painted lady butterflies. We stopped at a rest area just north of Trinidad, where a female Brewer's Blackbird had a painted lady in its mouth. It dropped it when we pulled up, but came back for it after we parked and got out of the car. It grabbed the painted lady butterfly and fly off. It consumed it on the opposite side of the road.
Maureen Blackford
Boulder County
-------- Original message --------
From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...>
Date: 9/22/17 8:31 AM (GMT-07:00)
To: COBIRDS <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Painted Lady butterfly fact sheet
the name "thistle caterpillar" is sometimes given Figures 4, 5. Painted lady larvae. An older larva is at the top a young one at the bottom.
Since so many birders are noting the big crop of Painted Ladies, I thought referral to the excellent fact sheet by Whitney Cranshaw is in order. Like the note on Arthropods of Colorado website by Mike Weissmann that SeEtta mentioned, Whitney has communicated to the plant listserv the same story: the big influx of butterflies is locally produced, probably most of them being raised on thistles, although they feed on a lot of other common plants in our area. The initial cloud-seeding is by migratory individuals from the Southwest in spring, but then they either do OK up here or have a bumper crop like they did this year.
I'd be interested in any reports of birds eating painted ladies My impression is they are not as sought after as some other common butterflies, say whites and sulfurs. Of course, monarchs are mostly avoided but not totally.
Date: 10/6/17 8:23 am From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Crow Valley Campground (Weld) on 5October2017
Total of 41 species at Crow Valley (and nearby Briggsdale) yesterday.
Highlight was the constant overpass of cranes. I tallied it at 900, but there could have been a few hundred more. After a while, the sound of small flocks becomes background noise, despite my intent to try and count each one.
Other birds of note:
Eastern Phoebe (2, one adult out north over water pool, one young (yellowish) bird on the fence in left field at ball diamond)
Cassin's Kingbird (1, flycatching from the dead branches of trees out north along Crow Creek n of the Mourning Dove Trail, on schedule)
White-throated Sparrow (at least 4, all tan-striped immatures)
Barn Swallow (2 getting out of "Dodge")
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (17, eBird questioned this but I had 11 in view at one time)
Hermit Thrush (3)
Gray Catbird (2)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1)
Spotted Towhee (3)
Wilson's Snipe (1)
Red and White-breasted Nuthatches (no Pygmies)
Pine Siskin (flyover)
Blue-winged Teal (16)
lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, mostly out north
a few Orange-crowns
one Wilson's Warbler
couldn't buy any other warbler, try as I might
no sapsuckers
thought I would see hawks like the others are reporting, only did see one Red-tail, one harrier
Western Tanager (4, all in Russian-olives)
Hardly anything in the campground, proper, despite it looking very good for birds. Most birds were out north, from the Group Area to the Work Center along the trail beyond the gate.
Date: 10/6/17 7:50 am From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird origins
Several years ago during the Barr lake birding festival in September, I saw at least 3 flocks of Cassin's moving south over Barr Lake with 10 to 20 in each group.
Ira Sanders Golden, CO
On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 7:42 AM, Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> wrote:
> I agree with Dave L. The birds that appeared this fall around Fort Collins > did so during cold fronts with waves of other birds from the north. > > Nick Komar > Fort Collins CO > > On Oct 4, 2017, at 4:10 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> > wrote: > > David and all, > > The map in Sibley is not accurate. There are breeding populations in > eastern Montana, southwestern SD, eastern WY and western Nebraska (Wildcat > Hills, etc.). *Birds of Nebraska* by Sharpe et al list them as "fairly > common breeders in the Panhandle". *Birds of Wyoming* by Faulkner > reports a count of 31 at Pine Bluffs on 3September2000. Most of these > areas have open grown ponderosa pine which looks a lot like the eastern > Black Forest in Elbert and that is where I always figured our late > September-early October Cassin's at places like the Pawnee Grasslands and > Fort Collins come from. There is also a patch of aberrant limber pine just > south of where CO-NE-WY come together in CO that is private but may also > support a breeding population. Cassin's Kingbirds show up on the > northeastern plains and along the Front Range pretty much every year about > this time of year (later than Eastern and Westerns). There seems to be > more of them this year than most, but then, there are a lot more birders > than there used to be. I think the Cassin's Kingbirds are coming from > somewhere north of us. > > > Dave Leatherman > > Fort Collins > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of > David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> > *Sent:* Wednesday, October 4, 2017 3:45 PM > *To:* Colorado Birds > *Subject:* [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird origins > > I'll suggest an answer to my own question about where the recent * > Cassin's Kingbirds* are coming from. I suggest this is a northward > movement, similar to the "reverse" migration of Tropical Kingbirds in > California, and now one from CO. Looking at eBird patterns for Wyoming and > Nebraska to the north, and CO counties that are north of or adjacent to the > main CO breeding range of Cassin's (e.g., Jefferon, Boulder, Larimer, Weld, > Adams), there is an increased frequency of occurrence in September that is > not a continuation of a late summer presence but seems to result from > migrants moving during September (and into early October). Since there is > not really a pool of birds to the north during September or late August, it > seems to me most likely that the Cassin's we are finding over the last few > weeks have moved north in a "reverse" pattern... maybe from afar away. > > Maybe this pattern is already obvious to others or established? Thoughts? > > David Suddjian > Ken Caryl Valley > Littleton, CO > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > msgid/cobirds/CAGj6Roodmw54-HCRxnMORb56DB0KVt-QJeZJ2%2B- > <4wQC09auWDA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6Roodmw54-HCRxnMORb56DB0KVt-QJeZJ2%<2B-4wQC09auWDA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > msgid/cobirds/SN1PR0601MB16156464D7828D9C63C7BAE5C1730%40SN1PR0601MB1615. > namprd06.prod.outlook.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<SN1PR0601MB16156464D7828D9C63C7BAE5C1730...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > msgid/cobirds/<F627CEB2-05E2-4B72-BD06-3807763B166E...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<F627CEB2-05E2-4B72-BD06-3807763B166E...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
-- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
I had a similar quandary several years ago in North Idaho where we’d accidentally left a feeder out well into October. Didn’t remember we’d left this particular feeder up (out of sight, out of mind) until we had an Anna’s show up in the yard. I’d been of the understanding that leaving feeders up didn’t affect the birds migratory behavior, but felt the need to reach out to some hummingbird experts I know as we were expecting a very cold stretch, and they confirmed this position. Now that Anna’s have moved into our area up there, we actually keep at least one feeder up all Winter, with a heater, as we’ve had them in every month of the year now. Interestingly, unless it gets pretty cold, they actually don’t come in often as they seem to forage primarily on insects, even when it’s near zero out.
So, I wouldn’t worry about leaving your feeder up, and as Scott pointed out, you may end up with an oddball.
Good Birding,
Doug
Denver…& Coeur d’Alene, ID
PS – There are some fascinating articles out there about how hummingbird’s metabolism changes with the seasons and locations, particularly the Calypte hummers, such that their bodies need different nutrients to cope with the different climates during the year.
From: <cobirds...> [mailto:<cobirds...>] On Behalf Of Deborahann S-C
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 3:36 PM
To: Colorado Birds
Subject: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in. Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
Date: 10/6/17 6:43 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird origins
I agree with Dave L. The birds that appeared this fall around Fort Collins did so during cold fronts with waves of other birds from the north.
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
> On Oct 4, 2017, at 4:10 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote:
>
> David and all,
>
> The map in Sibley is not accurate. There are breeding populations in eastern Montana, southwestern SD, eastern WY and western Nebraska (Wildcat Hills, etc.). Birds of Nebraska by Sharpe et al list them as "fairly common breeders in the Panhandle". Birds of Wyoming by Faulkner reports a count of 31 at Pine Bluffs on 3September2000. Most of these areas have open grown ponderosa pine which looks a lot like the eastern Black Forest in Elbert and that is where I always figured our late September-early October Cassin's at places like the Pawnee Grasslands and Fort Collins come from. There is also a patch of aberrant limber pine just south of where CO-NE-WY come together in CO that is private but may also support a breeding population. Cassin's Kingbirds show up on the northeastern plains and along the Front Range pretty much every year about this time of year (later than Eastern and Westerns). There seems to be more of them this year than most, but then, there are a lot more birders than there used to be. I think the Cassin's Kingbirds are coming from somewhere north of us.
>
>
> Dave Leatherman
>
> Fort Collins
>
>
> From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of David Suddjian <dsuddjian...>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 3:45 PM
> To: Colorado Birds
> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird origins
>
> I'll suggest an answer to my own question about where the recent Cassin's Kingbirds are coming from. I suggest this is a northward movement, similar to the "reverse" migration of Tropical Kingbirds in California, and now one from CO. Looking at eBird patterns for Wyoming and Nebraska to the north, and CO counties that are north of or adjacent to the main CO breeding range of Cassin's (e.g., Jefferon, Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Adams), there is an increased frequency of occurrence in September that is not a continuation of a late summer presence but seems to result from migrants moving during September (and into early October). Since there is not really a pool of birds to the north during September or late August, it seems to me most likely that the Cassin's we are finding over the last few weeks have moved north in a "reverse" pattern... maybe from afar away.
>
> Maybe this pattern is already obvious to others or established? Thoughts?
>
> David Suddjian
> Ken Caryl Valley
> Littleton, CO
> --
> 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6Roodmw54-HCRxnMORb56DB0KVt-QJeZJ2%<2B-4wQC09auWDA...> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
> --
> 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
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Date: 10/6/17 5:35 am From: 'Dan Stringer' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Yesterday
Highlights at Chico Basin Ranch yesterday Oct 5th:
El Paso County: At the banding station was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Cassin's Vireo, Broad-winged Hawk, pair of Brown Creepers. Two Cassin's Kingbirds on the road going east from banding area. On the dirt roads I saw two Curve-billed Thrashers, heard another two, and saw one Sage Thrasher.
Pueblo County: Chico doesn't get multiple shorebirds very often, so I wanted to mention at Rose Pond there were Pectoral Sandpipers, a Spotted Sandpiper, about 25 Lesser Yellowlegs, one White-faced Ibis, and 32 Long-billed Dowitchers. At headquarters Pond, Virginia Rail and flyover Wilson's Snipe. At Upper Twin Pond I saw and photographed an Eastern Phoebe, took me a bit to nail down the ID because I wasn't expecting it.
Most remarkably, while standing at headquarters willows between about 1 and 2 o'clock there was a raptor migration show in the afternoon that I can only call a procession. Not big groups or bunched tightly, but a seemingly non-stop fly-by of multiple Coopers Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, multiple Osprey, and Turkey Vultures. I've never seen anything quite like it.
All day long were the awesome sound of flyover Sandhill Cranes, I saw probably just over a thousand. On my way home about 125 landed south of Peyton Highway in a large shallow pond, making me think that perhaps some cranes spent the night around some water in Chico Basin.
Date: 10/6/17 5:14 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Friday, October 6, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Friday, October 6, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
Surf Scoter (*Las Animas)
Red-necked Grebe (Boulder)
Black-bellied Plover (Boulder, Washington)
American Golden-Plover (Adams, Washington)
Dunlin (Adams)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Washington)
Red Phalarope (Boulder, Jefferson)
JAEGER, species to be determined (Adams)
PARASITIC JAEGER (*Las Animas)
Sabine’s Gull (Chaffee)
LAUGHING GULL (Weld)
Mew Gull (Larimer)
Caspian Tern (Logan, Washington)
Pacific Loon (*Moffat)
Broad-winged Hawk (*Adams, *Douglas)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Kiowa)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Montrose)
Cassin's Kingbird widespread in Colorado in recent weeks, eg, (*Douglas,
*El Paso)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Morgan)
Eastern Bluebird (El Paso)
Wood Thrush (Lincoln)
Purple Finch (El Paso)
Nashville Warbler (*Adams, La Plata, Larimer)
CONNECTICUT WARBLER (Lincoln)
Magnolia Warbler (El Paso, Weld)
Blackburnian Warbler (Larimer)
Pine Warbler (Larimer)
Black-throated Green Warbler (Lincoln)
Lark Sparrow (Clear Creek)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Arapahoe)
Summer Tanager (El Paso)
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden-Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by
Mautitz.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis & Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant JAEGER near the nature
center, species to be determined.
---On October 4 Meredith McBurney banded a Nashville Warbler at Barr Lake
SP.
---On October 5 John Breitsch reported a Broad-winged Hawk at First Creek
at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
---On October 2-4 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at his
home in Centennial. It was not found on October 5.
---On October 3 & 5 John Breitsch reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at First
Creek at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through Oct 3.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by
Mark Minner-lee.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Roger Linfield. On the same date he reported a Lark Sparrow
in the Empire Town Park.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Bart Deferme reported a Palm Warbler near Castlewood Canyon
SP, at the corner of Willow Lake Dr. and Castlewood Canyon Rd.
---On October 5 Bea Weaver reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Castlewood
Canyon SP.
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
---On October 2 Jim Merritt reported a Summer Tanager at Ramah Reservoir
SWA. It was seen again on October 3 by MaryLynne Ketcham & Alan Ketcham.
---On October 4 Alan Versaw reported a Purple Finch in his yard.
---On October Richard Bunn reported a Cassin’s Kingbird at Finch Rd,
reached by going south from Hanover Rd, just east of Peyton Hwy.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On October 4 Loarraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP--S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP; seen again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On Sept 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester Tree
Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LA PLATA COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported a Nashville Warbler from Pastorius
Reservoir.
*LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Glenn Walbek reported that on 2 he saw a PARASITIC JAEGER
and 18 Surf Scoters in middle of nowhere in the Commanche NG. This middle
of nowhere is different from Mark Peterson’s middle of nowhere, which was
in Lincoln County.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Ft. Collins. It was seen there daily through October
1, but was AWOL on October 3.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
---On October 4 Mark Peterson reported a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and a Wood
Thrush on private property “in the middle-of-nowhere.”
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MOFFAT COUNTY:*
---On October 5 Jan Leonard reported a Pacific Loon at Big Bottom,
southwest of Craig.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
The bird was seen again today. It likes the area a mile and a half west of
Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road. This is one
half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They did not find it on October 4.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers, then Tim Smart and David Dowell reported it on October 2.
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or *
*303-329-8646*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or *
*303-978-1748*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, including some real rarities! Bring chairs, breakfast, lunch,
dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes, and field guides. *This
is a public event and there *
*is no need to register.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or **303-941-4881** and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or *
*303-333-2519*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*6 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Date: 10/5/17 8:36 pm From: Aaron Yappert <ayappert...> Subject: [cobirds] Sandhill Crane Movement - Chico Basin Ranch, El Paso/Pueblo County
After hearing flocks of Sandhills moving south all morning long during our banding session at Chico Basin Ranch, I decided to do a bit of a "Crane Watch" in the afternoon. Between 3 and 4 pm I tallied 1236 birds moving south in 6 - 8 groups. Most were in the 100 - 150 bird range, with one or two pushing 250 individuals. Things tapered off pretty quickly after 3:30 or so, and I think I only heard one or two more flocks the rest of the day. This was the first day that we've seen any major movements. Furthermore, visiting birders reported significant raptor movement with Swainson's, Red-tailed, Cooper's, and Broad-winged Hawks moving south. On my watch, I also had ~50 Turkey Vultures on the move. Should be interesting to see what movement tomorrow brings.
Date: 10/5/17 8:29 pm From: Glenn and Laurie Walbek <juncos...> Subject: [cobirds] Sea birding the Comanche Grasslands
Folks,
I am working in southeast Colorado this week in the Comanche Grasslands of Las Animas County. This under-birded area is ripe with birds moving through. Grassland birds are plentiful including American Kestrel, Cassin’s Kingbird, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Vesper Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark. Accipiters seem to be on the move, many observed in crazy plains and grassland habitats. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was photographed, likely one of the breeding pair observed there this past spring. A handful of Chimney Swifts were heard and observed flying over Lucy’s taco stand in La Junta, a bit tardy on their southbound trek. Not unusual but still fascinating are the kettles of Sandhill Cranes flying to NM. But sea birding is what I said in the subject, so here goes...
During my second hour of work on Monday, I noticed an unusual bird flying towards me in the middle of nowhere. It was a Parasitic Jaeger, sallying around the gull-less expanse of Comanche Grasslands. The bird flew within 400 meters and I obtained some poor photos, included in the ebird list. What are the chances?
I would not start a cobirds post with ‘sea birding’ if all I had was one lousy Parasitic Jaeger. Today, on a smallish pothole pond, about the size of a football field in the middle of nowhere were 18 (eighteen) Surf Scoters. The birds continued throughout the day and were observed by several co-workers. I am thinking the mountain lakes may be worth a visit this weekend.
Date: 10/5/17 6:26 pm From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Confusing Gull on Barr Lake
Based on the photos I suspect Lesser Black-backed Gull. Legs are concealed, sand at distance, eye color can be misconstrued. October birds can still have white heads.
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
> On Oct 5, 2017, at 11:32 AM, Bill Schreitz <flannelmoth...> wrote:
>
> Hello again,
>
>
>
> I am adding pictures of the mystery gull and adding the possibility of a Kelp Gull, though being perhaps more rare but having a late summer record in Latimer County in 2003.
>
>
>
>> On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 9:21:03 PM UTC-6, Bill Schreitz wrote:
>> Hello, This morning, visiting Barr lake for the first time since I moved here from the east in March, I saw a flock of California Gulls of some 300+ close to the edge of the island viewed from the smartweed lakeside point out from the banding nets. While attempting to count them individually, I clearly came across one that was not like the others. The beak was bright yellow and the gonydeal spot was bright red with no trace of black. The head was all white and the eye was dark. The legs were pale, no hint of yellow or pink, not unlike the gulls nearby. The back & wings were dark gray/black, certainly seemingly black in comparison to the other gulls.
>>
>> Were it not for the size (which appeared only slightly larger than the California Gulls), I would have been convinced I was looking at a Great Black-backed Gull, a bird with which I am familiar, having watched them expand their territory in Maryland for the past 20 years.
>>
>> I ruled out the Western Gull (perhaps equally unlikely with the respect to range) because of the leg & eye color. I also dismissed the Lesser Black-backed gull because of its foot color & brown streaking characteristically on its head.
>>
>> I am puzzled as to what is left for me other than another learning opportunity. I do have some pictures if anyone is interested, but at 120 yards or so, they are marginally archival. (FYI, the scope I was using is a Kowa 80mm, and the lense for the camera is a Olympus 200mm telephoto with a 1.4 converter.)
>>
>> Bill
>>
>>
>
> --
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Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
I birded Grandview from about 330 to 5pm this afternoon hoping that I might catch the Blackburnian which I missed while hiking the Laurel Highlands trail in PA last week into the weekend. It is still gone it seems. My consolation for missing it here in Colorado was getting to see several excellent warblers there including two Blackburnians. Much of what was at Grandview today has already been reported. I had 22 species in that time which I thought was pretty fantastic. Here is my list with a few goodies.
Sandhill Crane-20 surfing thermals. Radically, of course. Red-breasted Nuthatch-I stopped counting. At least 20 White-breasted Nuthatch-1 Pygmy Nuthatch-1 Brown Creeper-6+ Mountain Chickadee-2 Black-capped Chickadee-many Dark-eyed Junco-4 pink-sided Ruby-crowned Kinglet-at least 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler-Three dozen easy all over the cemetery Townsend's Warbler-1 male in what I've called the Cape May Hackberry in section E since that bird showed up in 2013. Plumbeous Vireo-same Hackberry. This one surprised me. Figure it was quite late but haven't plugged it in to Ebird yet. I realized that its not a species I see all that often in autumn. I tried to make it a Cassin's or a Blue-headed but this bird was gray and white with no twinge of yellow anywhere. Orange-crowned Warbler-1-same Hackberry House Finch Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Red-tailed Hawk-2 flying over American Robin Great Horned Owl in the giant Locust tree Blue Jay European Starling Chipping Sparrow-small group
Hackberrys and Elms were where the vast majority of activity was.
I am adding pictures of the mystery gull and adding the possibility of a Kelp Gull, though being perhaps more rare but having a late summer record in Latimer County in 2003.
On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 9:21:03 PM UTC-6, Bill Schreitz wrote: > > Hello, This morning, visiting Barr lake for the first time since I moved > here from the east in March, I saw a flock of California Gulls of some 300+ > close to the edge of the island viewed from the smartweed lakeside point > out from the banding nets. While attempting to count them individually, I > clearly came across one that was not like the others. The beak was bright > yellow and the gonydeal spot was bright red with no trace of black. The > head was all white and the eye was dark. The legs were pale, no hint of > yellow or pink, not unlike the gulls nearby. The back & wings were dark > gray/black, certainly seemingly black in comparison to the other gulls. > > Were it not for the size (which appeared only slightly larger than the > California Gulls), I would have been convinced I was looking at a Great > Black-backed Gull, a bird with which I am familiar, having watched them > expand their territory in Maryland for the past 20 years. > > I ruled out the Western Gull (perhaps equally unlikely with the respect to > range) because of the leg & eye color. I also dismissed the Lesser > Black-backed gull because of its foot color & brown streaking > characteristically on its head. > > I am puzzled as to what is left for me other than another learning > opportunity. I do have some pictures if anyone is interested, but at 120 > yards or so, they are marginally archival. (FYI, the scope I was using is a > Kowa 80mm, and the lense for the camera is a Olympus 200mm telephoto with a > 1.4 converter.) > > Bill > >
Date: 10/5/17 12:31 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] TV's again, CSR, El Paso Co, Thurs
Hey COBirders,
There were finally a large number of arriving migrants with the clear skies at Clear Spring Ranch banding today, after a LONG quiet spell. (I would say long DRY spell, but it surely hasn’t been that!)
46 Turkey Vultures were seen in 10 minutes, streaming S along the riparian corridor. Large flocks of Blue Jays and Red-winged Blackbirds were also moving.
Most unusual banded birds were a HY Marsh Wren, only my second at CSR, and a late HY Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Also lotsa Orange-crowned Warblers and White-crowned Sparrows (11 Gambell’s and 1 Mountain ssp). 29 birds today.
On Oct 5, 2017 12:30, "Bart Deferme" <bdeferme...> wrote:
> About 30 minutes ago, I saw a Palm Warbler at the corner of Willow Lake > Dr. and Castlewood Canyon Rd. > > As I exited the park, I first noticed a Mountain Bluebird. I slowed down > and noticed a smaller bird, perched on the barbed wire close to the ground. > My first thought was Pine Siskin. I stopped, and had great close-by (10 > feet) looks from my car. > > - Dull brownish gray breast and belly. Faint streaking. > - Strong dark eye line and white supercilium > - Bright yellow undertail coverts. Bobbed his tail a few times. > - Distinct warbler bill shape > > The bird flew off after 15 seconds in the direction of the park. Hugh and > Urling Kingery joined my quest to relocate the bird, but we were > unsuccessful. >
About 30 minutes ago, I saw a Palm Warbler at the corner of Willow Lake Dr. and Castlewood Canyon Rd.
As I exited the park, I first noticed a Mountain Bluebird. I slowed down and noticed a smaller bird, perched on the barbed wire close to the ground. My first thought was Pine Siskin. I stopped, and had great close-by (10 feet) looks from my car.
- Dull brownish gray breast and belly. Faint streaking. - Strong dark eye line and white supercilium - Bright yellow undertail coverts. Bobbed his tail a few times. - Distinct warbler bill shape
The bird flew off after 15 seconds in the direction of the park. Hugh and Urling Kingery joined my quest to relocate the bird, but we were unsuccessful.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden-Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by
Mautitz.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis & Brian Johnson reported 2 American
Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant JAEGER near the nature
center, species to be determined.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen saw a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora Res.
---On October 2 & 3 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at
his home in Centennial.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
---On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through Oct 3.
---On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns
Lake.
---On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit
Mountain.
---On September 30 Peter Burke found a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mt Park.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by
Mark Minner-lee.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Roger Linfield. On the same date he reported a Lark Sparrow
in the Empire Town Park.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck,
Jill Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
---On October 3 MaryLynne Ketcham & Alan Ketcham reported a Summer Tanager
(late) at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
---On October 4 Alan Versaw reported a Purple Finch in his yard.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On October 4 Loarraine Lanning reported that the Red Phalarope, present
for about 10 days, continues at Chatfield SP--S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP; s een again on October 4 by Lorraine Lanning.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On Sept 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester Tree
Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LA PLATA COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported a Nashville Warbler from Pastorius
Reservoir.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Ft. Collins. It was seen there daily through October
1, but was AWOL on October 3.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
---On October 4 Mark Peterson reported a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and a Wood
Thrush on private property “in the middle-of-nowhere.”
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
The bird was seen again today. It likes the area a mile and a half west of
Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road. This is one
half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They did not find it on October 4.
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatchs at Jackson Reservoir.
*SEDGWICK COUNTY:*
—On September 27 Norm Lewis reported an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter
Lake.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers, then Tim Smart and David Dowell reported it on October 2.
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at 80720, Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849).
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or *
*303-329-8646*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or *
*303-978-1748*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, and mega-rarities like Arctic Loon have been found! Bring chairs,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes,
and field guides. *Register online or contact leader.*
*3 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or **303-941-4881** and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or *
*303-333-2519*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*5 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Date: 10/4/17 8:45 pm From: Bill Schreitz <flannelmoth...> Subject: [cobirds] Confusing Gull at Barr Lake 11:30 am 4 October 2017
Hello,
I visited Barr Lake this morning down by the smartweed covered point just beyond the bird banding nets. With my Kowa 820 scope I was counting individually the 300+ California Gulls in the shallows near the island when I came across one that was clearly not like the others. The head & neck were pure white and the bill was bright yellow with a gonydeal spot that was entirely red. Its eye was dark and its legs were pale, what little I could see, not unlike the California Gulls nearby. Its back & wings were dark gray or black, but certainly appearing black in comparison to the other gulls. Had it not been for the size (which appeared to be perhaps only slightly bigger than the California Gulls) I would have been convinced I was looking at a Great Black-blacked Gull, which is a species I am perhaps all to familiar with back in Maryland where I used to live only months ago.
For what it is worth, I have ruled out Western Gull (which is probably equally unlikely as Great Black-backed Gull based on range alone) for both leg & eye color; I have also dismissed Lesser Black-backed Gull for its yellow legs and its brown streaked head & neck.
I embrace the possibility that all that is left for me is another learning experience. I did take pictures. But since the distance involved is 120 yards or so, the pictures are marginally archival in themselves. (That is to say, to me at least.) If anyone is interested, I would be glad to provide them.
Bill
ps This is the 2nd attempt to post, hopefully not a paraphrase of the first post. B.
Date: 10/4/17 8:21 pm From: Bill Schreitz <flannelmoth...> Subject: [cobirds] Confusing Gull on Barr Lake
Hello, This morning, visiting Barr lake for the first time since I moved here from the east in March, I saw a flock of California Gulls of some 300+ close to the edge of the island viewed from the smartweed lakeside point out from the banding nets. While attempting to count them individually, I clearly came across one that was not like the others. The beak was bright yellow and the gonydeal spot was bright red with no trace of black. The head was all white and the eye was dark. The legs were pale, no hint of yellow or pink, not unlike the gulls nearby. The back & wings were dark gray/black, certainly seemingly black in comparison to the other gulls.
Were it not for the size (which appeared only slightly larger than the California Gulls), I would have been convinced I was looking at a Great Black-backed Gull, a bird with which I am familiar, having watched them expand their territory in Maryland for the past 20 years.
I ruled out the Western Gull (perhaps equally unlikely with the respect to range) because of the leg & eye color. I also dismissed the Lesser Black-backed gull because of its foot color & brown streaking characteristically on its head.
I am puzzled as to what is left for me other than another learning opportunity. I do have some pictures if anyone is interested, but at 120 yards or so, they are marginally archival. (FYI, the scope I was using is a Kowa 80mm, and the lense for the camera is a Olympus 200mm telephoto with a 1.4 converter.)
Date: 10/4/17 7:41 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] A couple Ken Caryl yard birds 10/4
This morning this *Cassin's Finch* was in my front yard. Following on the
heels of a red male a few days ago, I am hoping there will be more to come.
And the female *Black-chinned Hummingbird* was still in my yard, along with
3-5 *Broad-taileds*. A female *Western Tanager* at Massey Draw near my
house was my first near home in over a month.
Cassin's Finch, Ken Caryl Valley
This morning at Lagerman Reservoir around 9:30 during my fourth attempt to catch the Red Phalarope thats been hanging around, I had a flyover CATTLE EGRET heading north. This isn't a super common species in BOCO, so if anyone heads out to SW Boulder County make sure to keep an eye out for the any CAEG......and Red Phalarope :).
Interesting discussion. A couple of weeks ago I had a sighting at Prewitt that got my attention (and earned me a flag from eBird): nine Cassin’s lined up together on a fence (with one western). This had me thinking about group migration by the species.
Norm Lewis
Lakewood (but currently in Montrose)
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 4, 2017, at 5:10 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote:
>
> David and all,
>
> The map in Sibley is not accurate. There are breeding populations in eastern Montana, southwestern SD, eastern WY and western Nebraska (Wildcat Hills, etc.). Birds of Nebraska by Sharpe et al list them as "fairly common breeders in the Panhandle". Birds of Wyoming by Faulkner reports a count of 31 at Pine Bluffs on 3September2000. Most of these areas have open grown ponderosa pine which looks a lot like the eastern Black Forest in Elbert and that is where I always figured our late September-early October Cassin's at places like the Pawnee Grasslands and Fort Collins come from. There is also a patch of aberrant limber pine just south of where CO-NE-WY come together in CO that is private but may also support a breeding population. Cassin's Kingbirds show up on the northeastern plains and along the Front Range pretty much every year about this time of year (later than Eastern and Westerns). There seems to be more of them this year than most, but then, there are a lot more birders than there used to be. I think the Cassin's Kingbirds are coming from somewhere north of us.
>
>
> Dave Leatherman
>
> Fort Collins
>
>
> From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of David Suddjian <dsuddjian...>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 3:45 PM
> To: Colorado Birds
> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird origins
>
> I'll suggest an answer to my own question about where the recent Cassin's Kingbirds are coming from. I suggest this is a northward movement, similar to the "reverse" migration of Tropical Kingbirds in California, and now one from CO. Looking at eBird patterns for Wyoming and Nebraska to the north, and CO counties that are north of or adjacent to the main CO breeding range of Cassin's (e.g., Jefferon, Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Adams), there is an increased frequency of occurrence in September that is not a continuation of a late summer presence but seems to result from migrants moving during September (and into early October). Since there is not really a pool of birds to the north during September or late August, it seems to me most likely that the Cassin's we are finding over the last few weeks have moved north in a "reverse" pattern... maybe from afar away.
>
> Maybe this pattern is already obvious to others or established? Thoughts?
>
> David Suddjian
> Ken Caryl Valley
> Littleton, CO
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Date: 10/4/17 5:06 pm From: <Meredith.McBurney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Lake Station, 10/4/17
No flocks of Yellow-rumpeds today, but 14 species, including a NASHVILLE WARBLER and our second Brown Thrasher of the season. Here's the breakdown of the 27 new birds:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
In 2011, I accidentally left out a hummingbird feeder into late October.
While raking leaves on the 23rd, I noticed a hummingbird using the feeder
regularly about every 20 minutes. I thought it odd being so late, so I
called my friend Nick Komar. He urgently urged me to get photos (
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S13987774), and he hurried over. The
following day, he subsequently identified it as a female Anna's
Hummingbird, record of which was accepted by the CBRC. A couple of other
people were able to see the bird that evening, but before I was able to
spread the word (after being confident in the ID), it snowed a foot or two,
and the bird wasn't seen here again. I now keep my feeder out late every
year and look for wandering visitors.
Brad Biggerstaff
Fort Collins
On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 5:16 PM, William H Kaempfer <
<William.Kaempfer...> wrote:
> Let me add there is a significant likelihood that a hummingbird visiting
> your feeder at this time of year is not a Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed or
> Black-chinned. This is the time that a Rivoli’s, Anna’s, Ruby-throated or
> Costa’s might just happen by.
>
>
>
> *From:* <cobirds...> [mailto:<cobirds...>] *On
> Behalf Of *Scott
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 4, 2017 4:47 PM
> *To:* <cobirds...>
> *Subject:* Re: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
>
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> Keeping your hummingbird feeders or any bird feeder up does not encourage
> birds to remain. If it did, the Rufous Hummingbirds would still be here
> in large numbers, as would the Calliope and Broadtails.
>
> Your feeders are just a supplement to the birds diet.
>
> I tell people to keep their hummingbird feeders up till at least the
> middle of October, or 2 weeks after you see your last hummingbird.
>
> Scott Rashid
> Estes Park
>
> On 10/4/2017 4:36 PM, Deborahann S-C wrote:
>
> There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether
> hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in.
> Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather
> than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Deborahann Smith-Cleveland
>
> North Boulder
>
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Date: 10/4/17 4:16 pm From: William H Kaempfer <William.Kaempfer...> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
Let me add there is a significant likelihood that a hummingbird visiting your feeder at this time of year is not a Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed or Black-chinned. This is the time that a Rivoli’s, Anna’s, Ruby-throated or Costa’s might just happen by.
From: <cobirds...> [mailto:<cobirds...>] On Behalf Of Scott
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 4:47 PM
To: <cobirds...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
Hi All,
Keeping your hummingbird feeders or any bird feeder up does not encourage birds to remain. If it did, the Rufous Hummingbirds would still be here in large numbers, as would the Calliope and Broadtails.
Your feeders are just a supplement to the birds diet.
I tell people to keep their hummingbird feeders up till at least the middle of October, or 2 weeks after you see your last hummingbird.
Scott Rashid
Estes Park
On 10/4/2017 4:36 PM, Deborahann S-C wrote:
There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in. Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
Keeping your hummingbird feeders or any bird feeder up does not
encourage birds to remain. If it did, the Rufous Hummingbirds would
still be here in large numbers, as would the Calliope and Broadtails.
Your feeders are just a supplement to the birds diet.
I tell people to keep their hummingbird feeders up till at least the
middle of October, or 2 weeks after you see your last hummingbird.
Date: 10/4/17 3:43 pm From: Karl Stecher Jr. <kstecher...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question
I haven't seen a hummer as I haven't been home moat of today, but my feeder fluid level is down significantly. Just had a bee chase a painted lady butterfly away from the feeder.
Karl Stecher Aurora
---------------------------------------- From: "David Suddjian" <dsuddjian...> Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 4:40 PM To: <dakotardg...> Cc: "Colorado Birds" <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Hummingbird Feeder Question Hummers migrate when it is time for them to migrate, and when they are ready. Hummer feeders left up into October and even November can provide a critical resource for late migrant hummers, and those that decide to linger for a time before moving on. David Suddjian Littleton, CO
On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 4:36 PM, Deborahann S-C <dakotardg...> wrote: There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in. Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
Thanks,
Deborahann Smith-Cleveland North Boulder
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Hummers migrate when it is time for them to migrate, and when they are ready. Hummer feeders left up into October and even November can provide a critical resource for late migrant hummers, and those that decide to linger for a time before moving on.
David Suddjian Littleton, CO
On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 4:36 PM, Deborahann S-C <dakotardg...> wrote:
> There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether > hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in. > Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather > than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum. > > Thanks, > > Deborahann Smith-Cleveland > North Boulder > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > msgid/cobirds/CABc8NxB2TePRmLNQpey7XYjnRSzkEHCSrRTDj%2BoJoe0qJy-bJw% > 40mail.gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABc8NxB2TePRmLNQpey7XYjnRSzkEHCSrRTDj%<2BoJoe0qJy-bJw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
There has been a question on my local Next Door website about whether hummingbird feeders should be left out at this point or brought in. Opponents say take them down, which encourages hummingbirds to stay rather than migrating. Curious to know the opinion of folks on this forum.
I'll suggest an answer to my own question about where the recent *Cassin's Kingbirds* are coming from. I suggest this is a northward movement, similar to the "reverse" migration of Tropical Kingbirds in California, and now one from CO. Looking at eBird patterns for Wyoming and Nebraska to the north, and CO counties that are north of or adjacent to the main CO breeding range of Cassin's (e.g., Jefferon, Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Adams), there is an increased frequency of occurrence in September that is not a continuation of a late summer presence but seems to result from migrants moving during September (and into early October). Since there is not really a pool of birds to the north during September or late August, it seems to me most likely that the Cassin's we are finding over the last few weeks have moved north in a "reverse" pattern... maybe from afar away.
Maybe this pattern is already obvious to others or established? Thoughts?
Date: 10/4/17 11:28 am From: Susan Wise <burrowingowlsusan...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Radar lighting up right now; what's the deal?
Boulder Audubon's next program is on this topic.
Bryan Guarente Presents Meteorology and Zugunruhe
- October 24, 2017 07:15pm - 08:30pm
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder
*7:15 p.m. October 24, 2017*
*Bryan Guarente Presents Meteorology and Zugunruhe*
Each spring and fall a cascade of hormones triggered by changing daylength
lures migrant birds like a Siren’s song toward the poles or equator. This
period, called Zugunruhe (migratory restless-ness), is the basis of bird
migrations. Is it a misfortune that this migratory drive coincides with
some of the most violent weather systems, or is it perhaps instead a gift
when seen through the eyes of an efficiency seeking, meteorologist bird? In
fact, the frenzied flow of high and low pressure weather systems, typical
of spring and fall and found in the mid-latitudes (30° to 60°) gives rise
to the winds that fuel migration. Understanding weather and how big-picture
weather systems affect bird movements can be useful tools for birders
seeking rarities, fallouts and other excit-ing migratory phenomena. Bring
your internet-enabled device to participate in the quizzes during this talk.
*Bryan Guar**e**nte *began birding at age 7 in Pennsylvania with his dad.
He became an avid lister while at the University of Northern Colorado (B.S.
in Meteorology), frequently visiting local haunts like Lower Latham
Res-ervoir and Crow Valley Campground. Weather and bird migration came
together while listening to night flights at the University of Illinois
while getting his Masters degree in Atmospheric Science. Bryan now teaches
Earth Sciences for Boulder’s online COMET Program.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 1:36:07 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote:
>
> Hey, all. This just in from the Twitter page of the National Weather
> Service out of Boulder:
>
> https://twitter.com/NWSBoulder/status/915274142341042178 >
> Ted Floyd
> Lafayette, Boulder County
>
Date: 10/4/17 9:11 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Birdy, but Not Golden Morning - Centennial (Arapahoe)
I had a co-worker who started birding earlier this year over to my west Centennial (Arapahoe) yard this morning (10/4). We were to stake out the Golden-crowned Sparrow in advance of a few other visits from birders later today. That bird never showed; perhaps with the dry weather overnight, it was able to up and leave. (I'll keep watching for it, of course.) But it was a birdy morning nonetheless. A Green-tailed Towhee (lifer for my visitor) provided good views all morning, foraging alongside a Spotted. A Western Tanager made a brief visit, fetching what looked like a butterfly from a tree across my yard. (Looked more like a skipper than a Painted Lady, but it wasn't much of a view.) A Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- my first in the yard this fall & a lifer for my guest -- made a brief visit. We also had a pair of Mourning Doves, my first in my yard since early-September. And a Red-breasted Nuthatch visited my feeders.
After my guest left, the yard came alive. An Orange-crowned Warbler moved through. Two Red-breasted Nuthatches joined the first; one made what sounded like hissing scolds at the others. A Broad-tailed Hummer made a brief visit to my feeders; I haven't, though, seen the Black-chinned today. And a lone Turkey Vulture passed over, headed southish. There were also plenty of Painted Ladies -- 20-30 in my back yard and even more up front. This is the most I've had of them this fall.
Elsewhere, I had my first neighborhood junco this morning, while walking my dog near Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Date: 10/4/17 9:07 am From: 'Mark Peterson' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Lincoln county --- CONNECTICUT WARBLER, 10/3/17
Hi Cobirders,
First, I apologize that this is another bird on private property but I still wanted to get the word out.
Late yesterday evening, there was a CONNECTICUT WARBLER working a willow, that also had a WOOD THRUSH in it, out in the middle-of-nowhere Lincoln county. The warbler was actively feeding and was busy catching flies, probably other prey as well. Then it would sit for one to two minutes, typically fairly obscured by twigs and leaves, then start feeding again. The bird had a complete eye-ring, all gray hood, and undertail coverts extending far back on the tail.
The Wood Thrush was foraging as well and was accompanied by two HERMIT THRUSH. There were very few other birds at this location.
Date: 10/4/17 8:26 am From: Dave Hyde <pink-beam...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's kingbird, Drake, Larimer Cty
With all the recent post of Cassin's kingbird I thought I'd add the one that popped up on my fence 3m north of Drake in Larimer county on the evening of Sept 29th (1820). It was gloomy but I managed a few crummy pix. This was a new bird for me - Dave, nr. Drake, Larimer Cty.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden-Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by Kim
Mautitz.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported 2 American Golden-Plovers at Barr Lake
SP
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP.
---On October 3 Norm Lewis reported a distant JAEGER near the nature
center, species to be determined.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd &
Yale Rd (CR 22).
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park.
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen saw a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora Res.
---On October 2 & 3 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at
his home in Centennial.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through Oct 1. The grebe
seen Oct 3.
---On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns
Lake.
---On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit
Mountain.
---On September 30 Peter Burke reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mt
Park.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert and on October 3 by
Mark Minner Lee.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Roger Linfield reported a Merlin on Prospector Trail, above
the Ranger Station next to Hwy 103. On the same date he reported a Lark
Sparrow in the Empire Town Park. Both species are rare for date and county.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck,
Jill Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*ELBERT COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported 6 Cassin's Kingbirds at Rd. 141.
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported a Merlin (Taiga) and an Eastern
Bluebird at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
---On October 3 MaryLynne Ketcham & Alan Ketcham reported a Summer Tanager
(late) at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP,
S Platte River delta. Brian Johnson et al saw it on September 25. (See
Brian’s COBirds post for more information).
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta.
—On September 25 a Black Phoebe continues at the Swim Beach at Chatfield SP.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On Sept 30 Jerry Baines reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Crown Hill Reg
Park.
—On Sept 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester Tree
Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LA PLATA COUNTY:*
---On October 3 Susan Allerton reported a Nashville Warbler from Pastorius
Reservoir.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess, David Wade & David Leatherman reported a Black-throated Green
Warbler at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake), where Christine Sparks
saw it again on September 25.
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported Cassin's Kingbirds at Dixon Reservoir
& Maxwell Natural Area.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Ft. Collins. It was seen there daily through October
1, but was AWOL on October 3.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 29 Jane Sender & Kathy Seymour reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
at RMNP.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake; they saw it there again on September 30 and October 2.
—On September 29 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Nucla Domestic Reservoir.
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
The bird was seen again today. It likes the area a mile and a half west of
Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road. This is one
half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They will send an update on October 4.
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatchs at Jackson Reservoir.
*SEDGWICK COUNTY:*
—On September 27 Norm Lewis reported an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter
Lake.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers, then Tim Smart and David Dowell reported it on October 2.
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at 80720, Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849).
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden-Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or
**303-329-8646
<(303)%20329-8646>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
<(804)%20214-1508>
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or
**303-978-1748
<(303)%20978-1748>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, and mega-rarities like Arctic Loon have been found! Bring chairs,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes,
and field guides. *Register online or contact leader.*
*3 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or **303-941-4881 <(303)%20941-4881>** and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or
**303-333-2519
<(303)%20333-2519>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*5 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Good birding!
Joe Roller
Denver, CO
<jroller9...> Compiler: Joe Roller
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 3, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, October 3, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by Kim
Mautitz.
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian reported Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch
Open Space.
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd &
Yale Rd (CR 22).
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park.
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora
Res.
---On October 2 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at his
home in Centennial.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through October 1.
---On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns
Lake.
---On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit
Mountain.
---On September 30 Peter Burke reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mt
Park.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck,
Jill Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*ELBERT COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported 6 Cassin's Kingbirds at Rd. 141.
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported a Merlin (Taiga) and an Eastern
Bluebird at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP,
S Platte River delta. Brian Johnson et al saw it on September 25. (See
Brian’s COBirds post for more information).
—On September 25-- A Black Phoebe continues at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP.
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP.
—On September 30 Jerry Baines reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Crown Hill
Reg Park.
—On September 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester
Tree Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess, David Wade & David Leatherman reported a Black-throated Green
Warbler at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake), where Christine Sparks
saw it again on September 25.
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake).
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported Cassin's Kingbirds at Dixon Reservoir
& Maxwell Natural Area.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Ft. Collins. It has been seen there daily through
October 1.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 29 Jane Sender & Kathy Seymour reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
at RMNP.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch.
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake; they saw it there again on September 30 and October 2.
—On September 29 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Nucla Domestic Reservoir.
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a kingbird species
that could be a TROPICAL KINGBIRD. Stay tuned. If confirmed, I will update
the RBA during the day.
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatchs at Jackson Reservoir.
*SEDGWICK COUNTY:*
—On Sept 27 Norm Lewis saw an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 3 by m.ob.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt
Reservoir.
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at 80720, Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849).
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
On October 3 Mlodinow reported a Magnolia Warbler in Glenmere Park, Greeley.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or
303-329-8646 <(303)%20329-8646>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
<(804)%20214-1508>
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
3 people have registered for this trip. There are 9 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or
303-978-1748 <(303)%20978-1748>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, and mega-rarities like Arctic Loon have been found! Bring chairs,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes,
and field guides. *Register online or contact leader.*
*3 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or 303-941-4881 <(303)%20941-4881> and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or
303-333-2519 <(303)%20333-2519>*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*5 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Cold, damp weather for the first couple of hours, then some wind, finally fairly nice for the last hour or so. Lots of visitors, including Norm Lewis' group from DMNS, enjoying the birds. Was relatively slow until mid-day, when a couple of nice flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers came through. When the groups of Wilson's, Orange-crowns and Yellows come through they tend to spread out over space and time; the Yellow-rumpeds stick together - we had 18 in 2 neighboring nets in our 10:40 run. Most of them HYs. Made for a busy mid-morning! Here's the breakdown for the day:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 10/3/17 7:42 pm From: Philip Pratt <philip.pratt...> Subject: [cobirds] Cherry Creek SP - 3 species of Terns
COBirders,
This morning Bob Righter and I saw 22 *Common Terns*, 2 *Forster's Terns* and 1 *Black Tern* at Pelican Point. Photos of the three species together are attached below.
I've visited Pelican Point most days this last week, and there were at least 20 Common Terns each visit. Yesterday there were 29 *Common Terns*, along with 4 juvenile *Forster's Terns*, a juvenile *Sabine's Gull*, and 2 *Long-billed Dowitcher* (again, see photos below).
Date: 10/3/17 7:39 pm From: 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Barr Lake today
I thought I'd follow up on my earlier post about the jaeger (more on him/her in minute) with a summary of our outing. I had my monthly museum group out at Barr Lake today, and it was a quite productive day. We started by harrassing the inimitable Meredith McB at the banding station, where she retaliated with a fusillade of Wilson's warblers, intimidating us into a quick retreat. But we'd be back.
Next stop was a walk down to the Pioneer Trail blind, where a cooperative peregrine falcon posed on a snag for us. A quick scope scan of the lake revealed hundreds of western grebes, and with a little imagination we converted a few of them into Clark's. That's our story, and we're stickin' to it....We had good numbers of orange-crowned, yellow-rumped and Wilson's warblers. However, my entry of eight orange-crowns was roundly rebuked by eBird, and it didn't like my western wood-pewee either, which kind of hurt my feelings. But I persisted, and Mr. eBird relented. We then slunk back to the banding station, where Meredith cut us some slack, as well as a couple of good birds. A nice Hammond's flycatcher (a small individual with some characteristics overlapping with least) emerged from a bag, followed by a hermit thrush. Then came a mystery sparrow, which after some discussion we agreed to call a Lincoln's, and a sorry one indeed. The poor bird looked like it had been in bar fight and lost.
Elbowed aside by the sixth or seventh busload of grade-schoolers (Meredith, how do you do it?), we set out for the lake, where out by the island was a sizable flock of gulls that we could no longer ignore with good conscience. The group proved to consist of 100+ Californias, with a smattering of ringers, Franklins and a herring or two. Some searching turned up a Sabine's lurking behind a ponderous Cal, followed by another fly-by Sabine's.
Next up was the Neidrach Trail and boardwalk. Things initially didn't look too promising, but we did pick up a couple of eared grebes and a few assorted ducks. A couple of birds lurking on the distant grassy beach yielded several mis-identifications until we finally decided to trek down the trail for a closer look. They quickly proved to be plovers, and finally, two American golden-plovers. Other than a couple of killdeer, they were the only shorebirds we saw all day. by this time I was beginning to feel like a certified eBird reject.
We closed things out with a jaeger sp that was coursing back and forth across the lake to the northeast. After following it with binos at considerable distance for a minute, we thought we saw it settle on the water far down the lake, closer to the dam. So, we hoofed it back to the parking lot and headed down to the boat launch to see if we could refind the bird. We could not. I will be interest to see if it reappears. While we were walking/driving down to the launch, the bird had plenty of time to relocate. Our consolation prize was a couple more Sabine's, which may or may not have been the same two we had seen to the west earlier.
Please post if you 1) relocate the jeager and 2) have any idea which species it is.
Norm Lewis
Lakewood, CO
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Date: 10/3/17 7:20 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Park County Cassin's Kingbird, plus. 10/3
A *Cassin's Kingbird* was a highlight of my visit to Park County today. It
was foraging along Tarryall Road (CR 77) 0.5 mile south of mile marker 32.
That is: 32.5 miles south from Hwy 285 at Jefferson, or about 9 miles north
from Hwy 24 near Lake George. It was where the road runs east-west for a
short time, just west of a large rock outcrop near the road. I have some
documentary iPhone digiscopes, and have added a couple below. This was my
first Cassin's for Park County. Are there other county records?
This was my 4th Cassin's in the past week, and many others have been
reported where they are noteworthy. Where are these sort of late Cassin's
coming from? North or south? By the way, *Cassin's Finches* were at a few
spots in this area along CR 77, including the nearby "town" of Tarryall.
My main goal of today's outing was to check the reservoirs. I covered
Antero with good calm conditions early in the morning, but when I got to
Eleven Mile Reservoir near 11 am there was a stiff breeze with white caps,
Eleven Mile had few birds anyway, and none of note. I did not go to Spinney
due to the wind.
Highlights at Antero were 2 *Sabine's Gulls*, 1 *Great Egret*, 1 *Common
Tern,* 3 *Forster's Terns*, 2 *Peregrine Falcon*s, and 1 *Merlin*. There
were shorebirds, but they were all distant along the southwest shoreline. I
think it is not possible to get close to that area, without - as was once
suggested - wading through the water. It would be a long wade. However,
with the good light, calm conditions and my 80x scope I was able to pick
out 8 *Black-bellied Plovers*, 1 *Golden-Plover sp.*, 5 *Sanderlings*,
1 *Baird's
Sandpiper*, 55 dowitchers (likely all *Long-billed Dowitcher*), 10 *Greater
Yellowlegs*, 1 *Lesser Yellowlegs*, and some peeps. The Black-bellied flock
flew at times and I could see the fabulous black "armpits"; I tell you it
was just like the CA coast. The Golden-Plover was among the Black-bellieds,
and with some Killdeer. Too far for me to be sure which species, but I
leaned to Pacific.
Antero's most numerous ducks were *Ruddy* (1520), *Green-winged Teal *(750),
*Gadwall* (550). Other dabblers were Mallard, Nor. Pintail (130), American
Wigeon, and Nor. Shoveler. Only small numbers of diving ducks so far.
Besides the Ruddy Ducks were small numbers of Lesser Scaup, Redhead,
Ring-necked Duck and Common Merganser. A lone male *Bufflehead* was a sign
of things to come.
Some other migrants noted in Park today: Mourning Dove (1), Williamson's
Sapsucker (1), Loggerhead Shrike (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6), Mountain
Bluebird (400), Western Bluebird (17), American Robin (22), Sage Thrasher
(1), American Pipit (8), Audubon's Warbler (30), MacGillivray's Warbler (1,
late, Tarryall River), Vesper Sparrow (19), Lincoln's Sparrow (3),
Dark-eyed Junco (300), White-crowned Sparrow (19), Yellow-headed Blackbird
(12).
David Suddjian
Ken Caryl Valley
Littleton, CO
Cassin's Kingbird, Tarryall Road, Park Co
Cassin's Kingbird, Tarryall Road, Park Co
Date: 10/3/17 6:36 pm From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: [cobirds] Forwarded from West Slope Birding Network: TROPICAL KINGBIRD CONFIRMED IN MONTROSE COUNTY
Long-time expert birders Brenda Wright and Coen Dexter found and photographed an unusual kingbird
on October 2 near their home in Nucla, with tentative ID being Tropical Kingbird. I understand that the images
were being sent to Tyrannus experts.
The bird was seen again today and many more photos were obtained. The ID is TROPICAL KINGBIRD.
I have asked them to post the photos on CObirds. This would be the first or second CO record of this mega-rarity,
pending acceptance by the CBRC.
This is the information I have now:
"On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a TROPICAL KINGBIRD. The bird was seen again today. It likes the area a mile and a half west of Nucla, just south of the intersection of CC road and 2700 road. This is one half mile south of the Sewer Ponds. They will send an update tomorrow AM, October 4."
Date: 10/3/17 4:56 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Rigden Reservoir, east end of Horsetooth Rd., Fort Collins (Larimer) on 3Oct
NO rarities like Sabine's Gull or Black-throated Green Warbler.
Fairly nice list of species, with the best ones being:
Date: 10/3/17 3:23 pm From: Christy P <passerculus...> Subject: [cobirds] Sandhill Cranes, Elizabeth
We had 2 Sandhill Cranes (by the sound of it, possibly more out of sight) around 11:00 this morning about 15 minute southeast of Elizabeth. The birds were very noisy and headed south shortly thereafter
Date: 10/3/17 1:47 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] No Blackburnian Warbler at Grandview Cemetery (FC, Larimer) on 10/3
Despite searches by Joe Mammoser, Gwen Moore, Janet Hardin and me this morning, NO Blackburnian Warbler appeared in our fields of view. Ditto for Townsend's Warbler. The big mixed flock dominated by a couple dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers it associated with appears to have moved on. Fun while it lasted.
Other birds seen today:
Orange-crowned Warbler (at least 4)
Wilson's Warbler (1)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (few)
Chipping Sparrow (15)
Dark-eyed Junco (several pink-sides, FOS for me at GC, species has been seen here already by at least Josh Bruening, probably others)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (at least 3)
All three expected nuthatches
Both expected chickadees
Western Tanager (1)
Great Horned Owl
[No red-phase Eastern Screech-Owl]
Total of 27 species.
Birds I have been expecting, sort of, but so far not seen at Grandview this autumn are: Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Steller's and/or Woodhouse's Jay, more crossbills, Pine Grosbeak, White-throated Sparrow, Sandhill Crane, more solitaires, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak.
Date: 10/3/17 1:27 pm From: 'Birding' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Jaeger at Barr Lake
Just spotted a jaeger near the nature center. It flew toward the dam and settled on the water. We are currently at the boat launch trying to refund. No idea as to species from initial distant views.
Date: 10/3/17 12:16 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] GC Kinglet, Green Heron, CSR, El Paso Co., Tues.
Hey COBirders,
VERY slow banding at Clear Spring Ranch today. Many birds were moving S, but mostly high and above the trees. Some were still arriving at 11:15, but NOT finding the nets! It was a good day for Accipiter movement - with 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 3 Cooper’s Hawks seen moving S down the creek in the morning.
Best banded bird was a HY Male Golden-crowned Kinglet. These aren’t rare in CO, but it was the first one I have even SEEN at CSR, let along banded.
Best rare bird according to EBird was a Green Heron, seen several times in the morning, perched on dead cottonwood branches, circling the marsh flying, and diving into the cattails (and actually moving North!).
Lastly, as I was leaving, a Townsend’s Solitaire was perched and watching me walk by. I don’t see these very often in this riparian area, either.
Date: 10/3/17 11:41 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Golden-crowned Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
The Golden-crowned Sparrow continued in my west Centennial (Arapahoe) yard this morning (10/3). It's drawn to my catmint and, of course, the bird seed. But it tends to come out only for short periods of time (3-5) minutes and seems to take lengthy breaks in the brush. It waits out, too, the squirrels, who are the first to arrive to new seed.
Also in the yard was a Green-tailed Towhee and a continuing, late Black-chinned Hummingbird.
If the sparrow continues tomorrow, I'll be doing a small, trial run of visitors, to see how my dogs (a Chihuahua-Terrier who contains multitudes and a one-eyed Shih Tzu...quite a crew!) respond to people milling about the yard as I work from home. If it goes well, I'll post about visiting.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 9:09:11 AM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > One last update... > > I think this bird arrived yesterday (10/1), as I briefly saw an > unidentified, but large & interesting sparrow in my yard (in west > Centennial, nearish deKoevend Park [Arapahoe]) yesterday, late afternoon, a > bit before dusk. > > If this bird hangs around through the week, I'll try to figure out a way > for birders to visit with it. > > Finally, as I left to walk my dog this morning, I heard and then saw a > Pygmy Nuthatch in a neighbor's tree. But whatever birds were around when I > left the house seemed gone when I got back, perhaps owing to one of the > neighborhood cats, which we saw a few doors down on our walk. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO > > On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 7:44:27 AM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: >> >> This morning (10/2), I spotted a large sparrow foraging in my yard. Seen >> through binoculars, themselves seeing through the kitchen window, I saw a >> mostly gray-faced sparrow with a black lid to that face and a yellowish >> spot atop it all. Though stupefied, this bird came to mind. >> >> I went outside to put down seed and look for this bird. My dog insisting >> on joining me, and then insisted on crashing through the brush to chase >> squirrels away from the feed. So there was no chance the sparrow would >> visit the seed with us out there. I did see it, though, in a tree at the >> border of my neighbor's yard and mine. It seems to be loosely associating >> with a Spotted Towhee. The second view, though brief, affirmed the first. >> The bird called a few times, too. Though I'm tone deaf and unable to >> describe any qualities to sounds, it seems to me to be the right call for >> this bird. >> >> I hope it returns to the seed, and I hope to get a photo. But I reserve >> the right to be wrong on all of this. >> >> - Jared Del Rosso >> Centennial, CO >> >
Date: 10/3/17 8:31 am From: Sue Riffe <sheflew...> Subject: [cobirds] CFO Convention - dates 2018
CoBirders,
The Colorado Field Ornithologists annual convention will be held May 17-20, 2018 in Boulder County. Mark your calendars now for an exciting convention. More information to come.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by Kim
Mautitz.
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian reported Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch
Open Space.
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd &
Yale Rd (CR 22).
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park.
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora
Res.
---On October 2 Jared del Russo reported a Golden-crowned Sparrow at his
home in Centennial.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through October 1.
---On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns
Lake.
---On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit
Mountain.
---On September 30 Peter Burke reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mt
Park.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck,
Jill Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*ELBERT COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported 6 Cassin's Kingbirds at Rd. 141.
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported a Merlin (Taiga) and an Eastern
Bluebird at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP,
S Platte River delta. Brian Johnson et al saw it on September 25. (See
Brian’s COBirds post for more information).
—On September 25-- A Black Phoebe continues at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP.
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP.
—On September 30 Jerry Baines reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Crown Hill
Reg Park.
—On September 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester
Tree Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Neenoshee Res.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess, David Wade & David Leatherman reported a Black-throated Green
Warbler at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake), where Christine Sparks
saw it again on September 25.
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake).
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported Cassin's Kingbirds at Dixon Reservoir
& Maxwell Natural Area.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Ft. Collins. It has been seen there daily through
October 1.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 29 Jane Sender & Kathy Seymour reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
at RMNP.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*LINCOLN COUNTY:*
---On October 1 Tim Smart saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at a private
ranch.
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price saw a Cassin’s Kingbird at Mesa CR 10 wetland.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch.
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake; they saw it there again on September 30 and October 2.
—On September 29 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Nucla Domestic Reservoir.
---On October 2 Coen and Brenda found and photographed a kingbird species
that could be a TROPICAL KINGBIRD. Stay tuned. If confirmed, I will update
the RBA during the day.
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatchs at Jackson Reservoir.
*SEDGWICK COUNTY:*
—On Sept 27 Norm Lewis saw an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through October 1 by various
observers, then Tim Smart and David Dowell reported in on October 2.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt
Reservoir.
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at 80720, Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849).
---On October 2 Steve Kingswood reported a Black-bellied and an American
Golden Plover at Prewitt Reservoir.
---On October 2 Tim Smart and David Dowell reported a Caspian Tern at
Prewitt Reservoir.
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or
303-329-8646*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or
303-978-1748*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, and mega-rarities like Arctic Loon have been found! Bring chairs,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes,
and field guides. *Register online or contact leader.*
*3 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or 303-941-4881 and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or
303-333-2519*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*5 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Date: 10/2/17 8:47 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] birds out in the cold rain at Ken Caryl Valley
I was only able to view in my yard in the late afternoon today (10/2), with a steady rain and the iPhone reading 38 deg.). Hummers fed actively up to about 5:30 pm at feeders partially sheltered, including a continuing *Black-chinned Hummingbird* and at least 3 *Broad-taileds* (I can't really tell how many Broad-taileds there are as they come and go, and likely there are more than 4 around my home area).
Most interesting to me was a very focused wave of *Yellow-rumped Warblers* that swept through during a lessening of the rain. I normally have only one or a few right near my home, but all of a sudden they were coming through my yard and a neighbor's yard "as fast as I could count"... or so it seemed. But I did count *66* in the one flock, all passing by during about 1 minute. They were really on the move. All the calls were Audubon's, which is the only form I've had near my home so far this season. I managed to also catch an *Orange-crowned Warbler* and *Townsend's Warbler* that were moving with the Audubon's.
Yesterday I spotted a male *Cassin's Finch *in my backyard, but it only stayed a short time. Cassin's has mostly been absent in the Ken Caryl Valley region since the 2014-15 influx ended in spring 2015.
Lastly, Dave Leatherman had inquired here about observations of birds eating painted lady butterflies. I had kept an eye out and did not see anything until yesterday afternoon. A number of the butterflies were active in my front yard. Some were fluttering down to the lawn. A *Black-billed Magpie* was making nabs at those that came near to it, trying to catch them. I saw a few misses, and then it caught one. It loped along the lawn carrying it in its bill and then mashed it against the ground, and then ate the abdomen and left the rest.
Date: 10/2/17 7:02 pm From: Leon Bright <urraca2...> Subject: [cobirds] Hermit Thrush - Custer County
COBirders-- While at our cabin in NW Custer County this morning I looked out the window and saw a Hermit Thrush posed on the deck of an adjacent outbuilding. This species is quite common in our area during the breeding season but I had not heard their ethereal song for a bit and I was wondering if they had migrated. Checking the Pueblo Area Migration Calendar compiled by Dave Silverman, I see that Hermit Thrush is listed as common in spring, summer and fall, rare in winter. At any rate, I rarely see these little guys due to their preference for staying on the ground and under cover. So I took this photo (below) when the opportunity presented itself. Shooting through two panes of window glass inhibits sharpness but those of you new to birding will still get an idea of what to look for.
Date: 10/2/17 4:45 pm From: <joe......> <joega140...> Subject: [cobirds] September 2017 Birds Woodland Park Area and Beyond
September 2017 Birds, Woodland Park Area and Beyond
Common Merganser- Cheeseman Res. near Deckers on 9-17
Turkey Vulture- yard area on 9-28, 9-26
Bald Eagle- Cheeseman Res. near Deckers on 9-17 (1 im., 1 ad.)
Swainson’s Hawk- Near Fairplay on 9-3
Cooper’s Hawk- im. being mobbed by 30+ American Pipits on Humboldt Peak
Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13
Sharp-shinned Hawk- Yard area on 9-8, Mount Massive trail near Leadville on
9-3
Osprey- 2 in South Park on 9-3
Dusky Grouse- Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13
White-tailed Ptarmigan- Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18,
calling, feather found on Mount Massive trail near Leadville on 9-3
Spotted Sandpiper- Cheeseman Res. near Deckers on 9-17
Ring-billed Gull- Cheeseman Res. near Deckers on 9-17
Mourning Dove- Yard area thru early Sept.
Eurasian Collared-Dove- Yard area on 9-4
Broad-tailed Hummingbird- Yard area thru early Sept.
Callliope Hummingbird- Female in yard area on 9-7, 9-6, 1F Rainbow Gulch
area near Rampart Res. on 9-1
Downy Woodpecker- Yard area on 9-7, 9-19, 9-20, 9-9 (juv.), 9-6, 9-4
Williamson’s Sapsucker- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7,
Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-12, yard area on 9-11
Northern Three-toed Woodpecker- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir
on 9-7, Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18
Lewis’ Woodpecker- Second hand report in early Sept. with photo ID by
ranger in Mueller State Park near Divide, new species for park list
Pinyon Jay- Entrance road to Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18
Blue Jay- juv. in yard area on 9-4, then another in Rainbow Gulch area near
Rampart Reservoir on 9-7 (9200 feet)
Gray Jay- Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, 2 in Rainbow Gulch
area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7 and 9-12, seemed to be at a low
elevation at 9200 feet
Clark’s Nutcracker- Yard area on 9-21, Mount Massive trail near Leadville
on 9-3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-12,
9-20, Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, Yard area on 9-9, 9-4,
Mount Massive trail near Leadville on 9-3
Western Bluebird- Flocking in Woodland Park area on 9-27, Yard area 9 on 9-9
Mountain Bluebird- Rampart Road near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7, 9-15, Mount
Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, Cheeseman Res. near Deckers on 9-17
Hermit Thrush- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-12, calling,
Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18
American Robin- Yard area juv. on 9-4
Townsend’s Solitaire- Rampart Road near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7
House Wren- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-12, Rainbow
Gulch area near Rampart Res. on 9-1
American Dipper- Mount Massive trail near Leadville on 9-3, Mount Harvard
Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18
Black-capped Chickadee- Yard area on 9-27, 9-25
Mountain Chickadee- 1, seemed out of place at 13,000+ feet and over a mile
from treeline in alpine tundra on Mount Massive trail near Leadville on 9-3
Red-breasted Nuthatch- Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, Yard
area on 9-27, 9-25
Brown Creeper- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7, 9-12,
9-15, Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13, Yard area on 9-6, 9-9,
9-4, Mount Massive trail near Leadville on 9-3
American Pipit- Mount Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, trail to
Northstar Mountain near Fairplay on 9-26, Mount Massive trail near
Leadville on 9-3, Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13
Horned Lark- trail to Northstar Mountain near Fairplay on 9-26
Wilson’s Warbler- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-15, 9-20
(migrant), Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13
Yellow-rumped Warbler- Yard area on 9-28, 9-30, 5 on 9-6, 9-9, Cheeseman
Res. near Deckers on 9-17
Cedar Waxwing- 1 in yard area on 9-4
Black-headed Grosbeak- In yard area thru early Sept.
Clay-colored Sparrow- new yard bird on 9-6, singing
Chipping Sparrow-Yard area on 9-21
Vesper Sparrow- Rampart Road near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7
Dark-eyed Junco- Yard area on 9-11, 2 Pink-sided and 1 Oregon on 9-30 (FOS)
White-crowned Sparrow- Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13, Mount
Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18
Brewer’s Blackbird- Near Divide on 9-23
Evening Grosbeak- Yard area on 9-20, 9-11, 9-27, 9-25, 9-26, 9-30, 9-6
Pine Siskin- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 9-7, 9-12, 9-15,
Yard area on 9-19, 9-30, 9-19, 9-6
Pine Grosbeak- Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13
Cassin’s Finch- Yard area 5F and 5M on 9-30, 5 F on 9-27, 2 F on 9-6
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch- Humboldt Peak Trail near Westcliffe on 9-13, Mount
Harvard Trail near Buena Vista on 9-18, flock of 50+ on trail to Northstar
Mountain near Fairplay on 9-26, flock of 20+ on Mount Massive trail near
Leadville on 9-3
Date: 10/2/17 4:36 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Genesee Ladybugs
Hi Hugh,
Probably Convergent Lady Beetle (can't tell for sure because res of photos blurs when I try to crop) (Hippodamia convergens). Common thruout NA. Known to mass up like this on hilltops for winter. Like many insects that engage in the practice of congregating in high places (i.e., "hilltopping"), part of the reason is for increased likelihood of finding mate. My impression is that birds are not fond of ladybird beetles, although occasionally I see small birds, usually when seeking the same insect prey sought by the ladybirds (like aphids, etc.), grab a ladybird. Birds that I can recall doing this are white-breasted nuthatch, chipping sparrow and robin. Ladybird beetles must not taste all that good (like a convenience store frozen burrito - edible when heated but not the greatest).
I'd appreciate folks sharing other anecdotes involving consumption of ladybird beetles by birds.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
________________________________
From: Hugh Kingery <ouzels8...>
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2017 5:21 PM
To: <daleatherman...>
Subject: Genesee Ladybugs
Pictures of the ladybugs on Genesee. See my post to Cobirds.
At noon today I observed two Sage Thashers along the entrance road to the park at the southern end of Timnath Reservoir. They were see on the fence and in the vicinity of the brushy area along the fence that encircles the water tower.
Date: 10/2/17 8:09 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Golden-crowned Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
One last update...
I think this bird arrived yesterday (10/1), as I briefly saw an unidentified, but large & interesting sparrow in my yard (in west Centennial, nearish deKoevend Park [Arapahoe]) yesterday, late afternoon, a bit before dusk.
If this bird hangs around through the week, I'll try to figure out a way for birders to visit with it.
Finally, as I left to walk my dog this morning, I heard and then saw a Pygmy Nuthatch in a neighbor's tree. But whatever birds were around when I left the house seemed gone when I got back, perhaps owing to one of the neighborhood cats, which we saw a few doors down on our walk.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 7:44:27 AM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > This morning (10/2), I spotted a large sparrow foraging in my yard. Seen > through binoculars, themselves seeing through the kitchen window, I saw a > mostly gray-faced sparrow with a black lid to that face and a yellowish > spot atop it all. Though stupefied, this bird came to mind. > > I went outside to put down seed and look for this bird. My dog insisting > on joining me, and then insisted on crashing through the brush to chase > squirrels away from the feed. So there was no chance the sparrow would > visit the seed with us out there. I did see it, though, in a tree at the > border of my neighbor's yard and mine. It seems to be loosely associating > with a Spotted Towhee. The second view, though brief, affirmed the first. > The bird called a few times, too. Though I'm tone deaf and unable to > describe any qualities to sounds, it seems to me to be the right call for > this bird. > > I hope it returns to the seed, and I hope to get a photo. But I reserve > the right to be wrong on all of this. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO >
On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 7:44:27 AM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > This morning (10/2), I spotted a large sparrow foraging in my yard. Seen > through binoculars, themselves seeing through the kitchen window, I saw a > mostly gray-faced sparrow with a black lid to that face and a yellowish > spot atop it all. Though stupefied, this bird came to mind. > > I went outside to put down seed and look for this bird. My dog insisting > on joining me, and then insisted on crashing through the brush to chase > squirrels away from the feed. So there was no chance the sparrow would > visit the seed with us out there. I did see it, though, in a tree at the > border of my neighbor's yard and mine. It seems to be loosely associating > with a Spotted Towhee. The second view, though brief, affirmed the first. > The bird called a few times, too. Though I'm tone deaf and unable to > describe any qualities to sounds, it seems to me to be the right call for > this bird. > > I hope it returns to the seed, and I hope to get a photo. But I reserve > the right to be wrong on all of this. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO >
Date: 10/2/17 7:03 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Golden-crowned Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
And some blurry photos from my Centennial (Arapahoe) yard.
On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 7:44:27 AM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > This morning (10/2), I spotted a large sparrow foraging in my yard. Seen > through binoculars, themselves seeing through the kitchen window, I saw a > mostly gray-faced sparrow with a black lid to that face and a yellowish > spot atop it all. Though stupefied, this bird came to mind. > > I went outside to put down seed and look for this bird. My dog insisting > on joining me, and then insisted on crashing through the brush to chase > squirrels away from the feed. So there was no chance the sparrow would > visit the seed with us out there. I did see it, though, in a tree at the > border of my neighbor's yard and mine. It seems to be loosely associating > with a Spotted Towhee. The second view, though brief, affirmed the first. > The bird called a few times, too. Though I'm tone deaf and unable to > describe any qualities to sounds, it seems to me to be the right call for > this bird. > > I hope it returns to the seed, and I hope to get a photo. But I reserve > the right to be wrong on all of this. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial, CO >
Date: 10/2/17 6:44 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Centennial (Arapahoe)
This morning (10/2), I spotted a large sparrow foraging in my yard. Seen through binoculars, themselves seeing through the kitchen window, I saw a mostly gray-faced sparrow with a black lid to that face and a yellowish spot atop it all. Though stupefied, this bird came to mind.
I went outside to put down seed and look for this bird. My dog insisting on joining me, and then insisted on crashing through the brush to chase squirrels away from the feed. So there was no chance the sparrow would visit the seed with us out there. I did see it, though, in a tree at the border of my neighbor's yard and mine. It seems to be loosely associating with a Spotted Towhee. The second view, though brief, affirmed the first. The bird called a few times, too. Though I'm tone deaf and unable to describe any qualities to sounds, it seems to me to be the right call for this bird.
I hope it returns to the seed, and I hope to get a photo. But I reserve the right to be wrong on all of this.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP, seen again on September 26 by Kim
Mautitz.
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP.
Photos match Sibley’s drawing of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain” form.
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian reported Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch
Open Space.
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd &
Yale Rd (CR 22).
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park.
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora Res.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
--On September 27 David Dowell reported a Red-necked Grebe & a
Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake. Both continued through October 1.
---On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns
Lake.
---On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit
Mountain.
---On September 30 Peter Burke reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder Mt
Park.
---On October 1 Nunes reported an immature Red Phalarope at Lagerman
Reservoir, also seen by Bill Kaempfer & Aaron Yappert.
*CHAFFEE COUNTY*:
---On October 1 Christian Hogenlocher saw a Sabine’s Gull at Buena Vista
Ice Pond.
*DENVER COUNTY:*
--On September 30 Patrick O’Driscoll and the DFO field trip reported 11
Chimney Swifts (getting late) at Duck Lake at Denver City Park.
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
---On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck,
Jill Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*ELBERT COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported 6 Cassin's Kingbirds at Rd. 141.
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
---On September 30 David Tønnessen reported a Merlin (Taiga) and an Eastern
Bluebird at Ramah Reservoir SWA.
---On October 1 David Tønnessen reported a Magnolia Warbler at Adams Open
Space in Fountain.
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
---On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP,
S Platte River delta. Brian Johnson et al saw it on September 25. (See
Brian’s COBirds post for more information).
—On September 25-- A Black Phoebe continues at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP.
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta.
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir.
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP.
—On September 30 Jerry Baines reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Crown Hill
Reg Park.
—On September 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester
Tree Park.
---On September 30 Gerald "Jerry" Baines reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from
Crown Hill Regional Park.
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
---On Oct 1 Mlodinov reported a molting Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at
Neenoshee Res.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess, David Wade & David Leatherman reported a Black-throated Green
Warbler at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake), where Christine Sparks
saw it again on September 25.
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake).
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported Cassin's Kingbirds at Dixon Reservoir
& Maxwell Natural Area.
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins. It has been seen there daily through
October 1.
—On September 29 & 30 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe
Reservoir.
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctuary.
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain
NP-- Hidden Valley.
—On September 29 Jane Sender & Kathy Seymour reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
at RMNP.
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported Cassin's Kingbirds at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
*MESA COUNTY:*
---On October 1 David Price reported a Cassin’s Kingbird from Mesa CR 10
wetland.
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 25 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Black Phoebe at the
Rose Garden near Nucla.
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch.
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake; they saw it there again on September 30.
—On September 29 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Nucla Domestic Reservoir.
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatchs at Jackson Reservoir.
*SEDGWICK COUNTY:*
—On Sept 27 Norm Lewis saw an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir. From 1-3 have been seen there daily through Oct 1 by various
observers.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at 80720, Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849)
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir,
where it was seen again by Gene Rutherford on September 30.
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Chimney Swift at Eaton Cemetery.
---On October 1 Gene Rutherford reported a Magnolia Warbler at Eaton
Cemetery.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Chico Basin Ranch*
*10/7/2017 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
*Leader: Mark Amershek **<mamershek...>* <mamershek...>* or
303-329-8646*
*Trail Difficulty: *Moderate
*New Directions*: We’ll meet at the King Soopers parking lot - 5544
Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. This is a NEW location - it is
NOT the OLD one at 100 Founders Parkway (the Kings Soopers has closed).
Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in El Paso and Pueblo
counties southeast of Colorado Springs. The driving distance from Castle
Rock will be approximately 100 miles; a little over two hours. This is a
fee area. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch
roads. Let leader know if you can drive. The ranch will be birded by
following the ranch roads in vehicles with stops to bird on level open
areas such as ponds, wetlands, and grasslands. This will be an all-day trip
so bring water, snacks, and lunch. Scopes will be handy but not necessary.
A two-way radio per car would be helpful. We will bird until 4 p.m. and
should be back at Castle Rock around 6 p.m. *Register online or contact
leader*
*This trip is full and you will be placed on the waiting list when you
register.*
*Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Trail to Catamount Reservoir) *
10/8/2017 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Leader: Chris Gilbert <chrisgee9...> or 804-214-1508
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions:
Meet at Lowe's in Castle Rock near the outlet stores.. I-25 south, exit at
Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe
Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St,
Castle Rock, CO 80108
About the Trip
We will meet and carpool to Green Mountain Falls, CO, about a one hour
drive from the meeting spot. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with some
elevation gain at the start. We will see some waterfalls and great scenery.
We should see many of the typical mountain birds like Steller's Jays and
Evening Grosbeaks. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a sack lunch; be
weather savvy and ready. We will eat lunch up at the reservoir. Binoculars
a must. Cameras are encouraged. Scopes are welcomed but not necessary
(you'll have to carry it 6 miles if you bring it). Register online or
contact leader.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 11 spaces left.
*Chatfield State Park, The Big Sit*!
*10/8/2017 6:45 AM - 6:45 PM*
*Leader: Joey Kellner **<vireo1...>* <vireo1...>* or
303-978-1748*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easiest trip of the year!
*Directions*
From the Wadsworth Blvd entrance, go past the pay station to the stop sign,
turn right at this 'T' and continue around the reservoir. Cross the S
Platte River and continue up the hill. Turn left at the sign for the park
headquarters and make a hard left into the large parking lot labeled
Heronry Overlook. At the far right corner, a trail leads down to the Heron
Overlook. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Sit*
The Big Sit, an international birding event, has exacting, loose, and
frivolous standards. Big Sitters count all the birds they see or hear from
within a circle with a 17-foot diameter. Count sitters may send out scouts
and beaters to find other birds and identify them as long as a Sitter sees
them from within the circle. All around the world on this date, people will
Sit Big. Come and join Joey Kellner and other recruits any time from
(before) dawn to (after) dusk. Stay for an hour, a morning, or all day.
Drop by whenever you like. Joey maintains an hourly chart of the birds that
Sitters see from the circle. In the past few years he has tallied 55-65
species, and mega-rarities like Arctic Loon have been found! Bring chairs,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, coffee, etc. Bring binoculars, scopes,
and field guides. *Register online or contact leader.*
*3 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*Cherry Creek SP Wetlands Loop (Arapahoe County)*
*10/8/2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
*Leaders: Karen von Saltza **<kvonsaltza...>* <kvonsaltza...>*
or 303-941-4881 and*
*Bill Wuerthele **<wuerthel...>* <wuerthel...>* or
303-333-2519*
*Trail Difficulty: *Easy
*Directions*
Meet at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance,
follow Lake View Rd to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of
the reservoir. State Parks pass or day pass required.
*About the Trip*
This is a half day of walking that passes through most of the important
habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could
be slippery or muddy. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional. Beginning
birders are welcome. *Register online or contact leader.*
*5 people have registered for this trip. There is no maximum.*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
A cool sunny day and enough birds to be interesting to our usual Sunday crowd of bird lovers of all ages. Today we spanned almost a century, with our youngest visitors being under a year and our oldest being 98! Here's the breakdown of the 17 first-timers of the season:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
It was always going to be difficult to top the Pacific Wren and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher of last week, but two days of rain really made this week a slow one. Numbers were mediocre Monday and Tuesday, with midweek rain Wednesday and Thursday. Things picked back up Friday with lots of late-morning/early afternoon action and Saturday ended up being our busiest day of the season thus far with 72 new birds banded.
Notables for the week were our first *Golden-crowned Kinglets* (3) of the season and a *Sharp-shinned Hawk*. Otherwise it was the usual suspects.
Season Totals: 745 Birds of 53 Species
This will be the last week of banding, and the station will run Monday through Friday 7:00 am till 11:30 am, weather permitting. We love to share our birds with the public so feel free to come by. Please make sure to check in at the Ranch office before visiting the station. Lastly, be aware that the Ranch uses the banding station as an educational opportunity for a variety of school groups or other interested organizations so after 9 am the station may be filled with wide-eyed youngsters.
Date: 10/1/17 12:56 pm From: Aaron Yappert <ayappert...> Subject: [cobirds] Boyd Lake SP/Horseshoe Lake
This afternoon I had 8 Common Terns at the Boyd Lake SP swim beach and four Sabine’s Gulls at Horseshoe Lake. No sign of the Mew Gull previously reported in this area, but most of the Gulls at Horseshoe were quite distant.
Date: 10/1/17 11:20 am From: Christian Nunes <pajaroboy...> Subject: [cobirds] Red Phalarope @ Lagerman Res, Boulder Co.
An immature RED PHALAROPE was at Lagerman this morning. Still present around noon.
A very nice flock of migrants at Golden Ponds, mostly Audubon's Yellow-rumps with a few Wilson's and Orange-crowned mixed in and a tardy Plumbeous Vireo.
Date: 10/1/17 10:17 am From: marimammoser <marimammoser...> Subject: [cobirds] Common Terns, Boyd Lake S.P., Loveland
I went to Boyd Lake this morning to see if I could pick up the previously reported Common Terns. There were a small number of birds on the swim beach shore. I found 3 Common Terns in among 51 Ring-billed Gulls, 10 Franklin's gulls, 1 Herring Gull, and 2 Snowy Egrets.
Date: 10/1/17 9:32 am From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Blackburnian Warbler
A group of us searched the whole SE corner where we saw it fly into but we were unsuccessful in refinding the bird again. We found some other late migrants such as a Western Wood Pewee, Hammonds Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, and a high count of Townsends Warblers tallied at 9.
Date: 10/1/17 9:14 am From: KevyGudGuy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Early Towhee, Late Hummingbird in west Centennial, Arapahoe County
Hello Fellow Birders,
An unidentified hummingbird made a quick stop at our hummer feeder this morning. I'm guessing it was a migrator passing through because we hadn't seen the resident birds recently.
At the other end of the migration spectrum a Spotted Towhee was bouncing along our fencetop this morning. We typically see one or two here in winter, not in summer.
From my little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe...
Keep Smilin', Kevin
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Date: 10/1/17 8:16 am From: kickback <bill_kosar...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: El Paso county Garganey(?) and Virginia Rail
I agree that this is a mallard with an "interesting" facial pattern. Very close examination of the pictures I took shows a blue patch near the tail and some blue fringes in the feathers.
Thanks for all of the feedback
Bill
On Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 6:00:54 PM UTC-6, kickback wrote: > > I think I saw a Garganey and I definitely saw a Virginia rail at the > Fountain Creek Nature center today, they were right next to each other. > Also saw a Black-crowned night heron. > > I would appreciate feedback on whether I am correct about the Garganey > > Garganey(?) picture > > http://www.avoapples.com/birds/_MG_6024_a.JPG > > > Virginia rail picture > > http://www.avoapples.com/birds/_MG_6016_cr.jpg > > > Thanks, > > Bill > > <bill_kosar...> >
Date: 10/1/17 6:52 am From: Christian Nunes <pajaroboy...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] El Paso county Garganey(?) and Virginia Rail
Variations of the domestic Mallard display a cheek stripe like this. The dark brown plumage with limited pale edges to the mantle feathers and the greenish bill are at odds with a Garganey.
Christian Nunes Lyons, CO
> On Oct 1, 2017, at 7:26 AM, dean shoup <deshoup723...> wrote: > > Bill, > Do you have any more photos of the possible Garganey? Have you received any feedback yet? > Dean Shoup > Aurora, CO > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<5332db41-f30b-4085-a013-827a16e423b6...> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Date: 9/30/17 11:01 pm From: Tom Behnfield <behnfield...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Report for Sunday October 1, 2017
Compiler: Tom Behnfield
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: October 1, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Sunday October 1, sponsored by Denver Field
Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 23 John Haycraft reports Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports a Dunlin and a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Kim Mautitz reported a Fox Sparrow on the Neidrach Nature
Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian, Mark Amershek, Jeff Dawson & Jeff Dawson
reported an Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch Open Space
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd.
and Yale Rd (CR 22)
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park
—On September 30 Cynthia Madsen reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Aurora
Reservoir
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
—On September 23 Ted Floyd reports a Black-bellied Plover at Lagerman
Reservoir.
—On September 27 David Dowell reported a Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake
—On September 29 Paula Hansley reported a Cassin's Finch in her yard
—On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns Lake
—On September 30 Steve Frye reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Rabbit Mountain
—On September 30 Peter Burke reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Boulder
Mountain Park
*DENVER COUNTY:*
—On September 25 Doug Kibbe reported a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Bear Creek
Park (not Bear Creek Lake Park)
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Gregg Goodrich reports 2 Juvenile Sabine’s Gulls at the
Chatfield State Park flying over the shore line at the marina sandspit.
—On September 24 Mackenzie Goldthwaite & Doug Kibbe reported a Lesser
Black-backed Gull at the Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
—On September 30 Felice Lyons, Mary O'Connor, Renee Casias, Meg Reck, Jill
Holden, Mary Keithler, Jesse Casias, & John Hoogerheid reported a
Broad-winged Hawk
*ELBERT COUNTY:*
—On September 30 David Tønnessen reported 6 Cassin's Kingbirds at Rd. 141
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
—On September 23 a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was caught at the Banding
Station at Chico Basin Ranch (Fee Area)
—On September 30 David Tønnessen reported a Merlin (Tiaga) and an Eastern
Bluebird at Ranah Reservoir SWA
*FREMONT COUNTY*
—On September 24 Jerry DeBoer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at the Arkansas
River Walk, 9th Street to Tunnel Drive
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Mary O’Connor reported the Black Phoebe at Deer Creek
inlet.
—On September 24 Alison Hixon reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP -
Original Heronry Overlook
—On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S
Platte River Delta
—On September 25 QP reported a Black Phoebe at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP
—On September 25 Brian Johnson, Cynthia Kristenson, Karen Drozda & Chuck
Aid reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta (See
Brian Johnson's Cobird Post for more information)
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta
—On September 30 Scott Somershoe reported 2 Cassin's Kingbirds at Clement
Park & Johnson Reservoir
—On September 30 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at the Deer Creek
Inlet at Chatfield SP
—On September 30 Jerry Baines reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Crown Hill
Regional Park
—On September 30 Scott Dieni reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Welchester
Tree Grant Park
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Upper Queens/Neeskah Res.
*KIT CARSON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Flagler
Reservoir State Wildlife area.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Kathy Mihm Dunning reported a Red Phalarope at Timnath
Reservoir.
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess & David Wade reported a Black-throated Green Warbler at Rigden
Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) David Leatherman reported the BTGW as well.
—On September 24 Nick Komar & Brandon Nooner reported a MEW GULL at
Horeshoe Reservoir
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 Christine Sparks reported a Black-throated Green Warbler
at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported a Blackpoll Warbler at his residence
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported Cassin's Kingbirds at Dixon Reservoir
& Maxwell Natural Area
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins
—On September 29 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.
—On September 29 David Wade, Walter Wehtje & Nick Komar reported a
Blackburnian Warbler and a Blackpoll Warbler at Grandview Cemetery in Fort
Collins
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctury
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain NP-- Hidden
Valley
—On September 29 Jane Sender & Kathy Seymour reported a Red-shouldered Hawk
at RMNP
—On September 30 Nick Komar reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boyd Lake
—On September 30 Todd Deininger reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery
—On September 30 Nick Komar & David Wade reported 3 Cassin's Kingbirds 16
Chestnut-collared Longspurs and 9 McCown's Longspurs at Soapstone Prairie
Natural Area
*LOGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Black-bellied Plover
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 24 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Black Phoebe at
Cooper's Ditch near Nucla
—On September 25 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Black Phoebe at the
Rose Garden near Nucla
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake
—On September 29 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Nucla Domestic Reservoir
—On September 30 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Broad-winged Hawk and 2 Pygmy
Nuthatch at Jackson Reservoir
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Brandon Percival and David Chartier reported a
Yellow-throated Warbler and 3 Black Phoebes at lake Pueblo SP - Rock
Canyon/Valco Ponds Area
—On September 30 Richard Bunn & Jan Albright reported 5 Chestnut-collard
Longspur at Chico Basin Ranch
*Sedgwick County*
—On September 27 Norm Lewis reported an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports seeing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Prewitt Res.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper at 80720,
Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849)
—On September 27 Nic Korte reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir
—On September 29 Nick Moore, Dean Shoup & Joey Kellner reported 3
Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 30 Brenda Linfield & Jeff Dawson reported 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Prewitt Reservoir
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Gene Rutherford reports 2 American Golden-Plover at Water
Treatment Plant at Weld Co. Rds. 62.5 and 51.
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Windsor Reservoir
—On September 30 Steve Mlodinov reported a Chimney Swift at Eaton Cemetery
—On September 30 Gene Rutherford reported a Laughing Gull at LUNA Reservoir
*YUMA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reported a Broad-winged Hawk near Hwy 59
south of Yuma.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Today!*
*First Creek at RM Arsena*l October 1, 7:00 AM - 12: PM, John Breitsch
(jbreitschAThotmail.com or 303-588-0552 <(303)%20588-0552>), Trail
difficulty: Easy, Maximum participants: 15.
Directions: From East Denver take 56th Ave east toward Pena Blvd. First
Creek parking lot is just before Pena on your left (north). Or take I-70
east to Pena Blvd. Drive north to 56th Ave Exit. Turn left at the light and
at the bottom of the off ramp, pass under the highway and turn right,
almost immediately, into the First Creek parking lot.
We will start at the same parking lot as 1st Creek @ DOS. We will walk up
Buckley Road, then we turn west at the creek instead of east. The trail
should be finished all the way out to the concrete bunker that can be used
as a viewing blind. We'll hope to see some late migrants and a few resident
species. Until recently, this was a part of the RM Arsenal that was
inaccessible. It should make for great raptor viewing over the winter
months. There currently are no restroom facilities.
*There are 9 people registered for this trip. There are 6 spaces left*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Date: 9/30/17 5:00 pm From: kickback <bill_kosar...> Subject: [cobirds] El Paso county Garganey(?) and Virginia Rail
I think I saw a Garganey and I definitely saw a Virginia rail at the Fountain Creek Nature center today, they were right next to each other. Also saw a Black-crowned night heron.
I would appreciate feedback on whether I am correct about the Garganey
In yet another weird weather day in this unpredictable season, we intrepid banding station workers made our way to Barr in the thickest fog that any of us could remember. We sat in my car for about an hour, waiting until we could at least see across the ditch. We then ventured out to the station and opened gradually, really waiting for the sun to break through and dry things out, which finally occurred about 9:30. But, fog or sun, it was one of the slowest days of the season - we caught a total of 14 birds, including new and recap, I think out slowest day in a very slow season. Here were the new captures:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 7 a.m. and should have birds back at the station before 7:45. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 9/30/17 4:07 pm From: Scott Somershoe <ssomershoe...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbirds (yes 2) - Clement Park, Jeff Co
As I type (5pm), there are 2 Cassin's kingbirds foraging from and perching on the raptor perches in the prairie dog town on the south side of Clement Park (SE of the lake). I was pushing the boys in the jog stroller and spotted one flycatcher. I initially assumed Says Phoebe but I quickly realized otherwise! I saw the white tipped tail, distinct white malar, darker gray head, and bright yellow flanks and belly. I walked out and got nice looks at key ID point and took some photos with my phone thru my binocs (who takes kids walking without binocs??) and we kept going. I assumed the bird moved to another perch nearby but there were two observed at the same time. I think I got a decent/identifiable photo of at least one of them. Nice bird just out for a walk! They are so close to the yard too. I hope one flies over!
Just a quick announcement here: Tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, Oct. 1, there will be a bird walk at Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County. Meet at the observation deck. The outing, sponsored by the City of Lafayette, is free and open to the public. Beginners, young persons, and the generally "bird curious" are most welcome. The birds have been pretty active of late at Greenlee. Here's a recent eBird checklist:
Our Denver Audubon bird class scaled Genesee Mtn. this morning. We call it a "Pretty-Lady" day. Painted Ladies all over the hillside, quite distracting when you want to turn them into birds.
But most amazing: on the top of Genesee, and only on a narrow line along the topmost section, pods of Lady-bird Beetles (aka Lady Bugs). They snuggled in tightly-massed groups of 100 or more, folded into the shelter of Mountain Mahogany and Wild Rose bushes. Several pods on a bush, on perhaps 10 shrubs. The total must have amounted to 5,000-10,000, all just hunkered down waiting for ??.
The birds behaved poorly for us who wanted good definitive looks. Gray-headed Juncos acted like juncos, but Yellow-rumped Warblers also acted like juncos (but they sortied into tall grass, where we couldn't see them, looking, I suppose, for insects).
Pygmy Nuthatches noisy everywhere, but did not cooperate in showing themselves.
Lots (a dozen or more) of Western Bluebirds that we did see well.
A few migrating raptors -- a Northern Harrier, 2 Accipiter spec., and one Northern Goshawk (Confirmed by a photo). A rufous-morph Red-tailed Hawk that perched for scope views by the whole class and which then flew overhead.
PS: Dave Leatherman: do birds eat lady-bugs? Does anything? These didn't seem to have any hovering predators.
Hugh Kingery
Franktown, CO
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Date: 9/30/17 1:18 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Ken Caryl Valley 9/29-30, JeffCo
I checked Massey Draw beside my home (no public access).early yesterday under still overcast skies It was "continued slow" for migrants, but then at the end of my route several species appeared in a flurry of activity that seemed to materialize on the spot and then dissipated after only a few minutes, as the birds went their own ways. It is exciting when that happens. Here it was *Red-naped Sapsucker*, a straggling *Dusky Flycatcher*, *Townsend's Warbler*, 2 *Orange-crowned Warblers*, *Audubon's*, a few *Wilson's*, a *Bushtit* flock, and 4 *Ruby-crowned Kinglets*.
A *Black-chinned Hummingbird *(very confiding) continues at my feeders today, along with 4-5 *Broad-taileds*, and a *Rufous* still there yesterday. Among the few returning juncos (still only *Gray-headed *for my yard) one was singing today, adding a nice touch to the clear blue morning.
I, too, rejoiced in the recent gray skies. But I was happy for the clear skies this morning. Otherwise I'd not have seen Mt. Evans' new clothes.
Date: 9/30/17 12:27 pm From: Robert Righter <rorighter...> Subject: [cobirds] Crow Valley CMPGDS Weld Co
Hi
Highlites: White-breasted Nuthatches 3-4 No Red-breasted Nuthatches Cedar Waxwings 20-25 F Western Tanger 1
Magical moment: Through the early morning fog 20 Sandhill Cranes flew over head, close enough to hear their whooshing sounding wing beats. Now that is the kind of chill I like to experience going up and down my spine.
Date: 9/30/17 11:18 am From: Joey Kellner <vireo1...> Subject: [cobirds] The Big Sit! - Next Sunday -Sunday, October 8 - Chatfield State Park - Douglas County
Hello Fellow COBIRDERS!
Looking for something to do a week from tomorrow...Sunday? How about some leisure birding at a Big Sit?
What is a "Big Sit" you ask?
Well a Big Sit is similar to the birding event called a "Big Day", in both events participants try to count as many species as possible, the difference is that in a Big Day you travel all over a geographical area whereas during a Big Sit you sit (or stand) in one location (a 17-foot diameter "circle") and count as many species seen or heard as possible. This is a worldwide event and as of this posting there are already over 100 Big Sit "circles" registered for this year's event!
The Denver Field Ornithologists will once again sponsor and I will host "The Big Sit!" at Chatfield State Park next Sunday, October 8th. This will be the 15th year for this fun and frivolous event. It is open to the public and EVERYONE is welcome! It will be held from dawn to dusk, come for an hour or stay all day, whatever works for your schedule. In addition to a day list Ed will perform hourly counts so that every hour there are "new" birds to be added to the hour's count.
"The Big Sit!" at Chatfield will be located at the Heronry Overlook on the east side of the reservoir. Just follow the signs located at both entrances. Bring your own chair or use the bench seating provided by the heronry overlook deck. Bring binoculars, spotting scope (if you have), food, water, treats to share or whatever you need to spend time birding! State Parks will be providing a canopy for shade from the sun, or shelter from rain. This year's weather looks to be perfect.....for once!
If you cannot attend "The Big Sit!" at Chatfield create your own! The details and rules can be found at:
The "DFO Insaniacs" (as we are registered) have had the highest "Big Sit" count for Colorado 14 years running! Come help DFO's Big Sit at Chatfield stay on top!
Date: 9/30/17 5:13 am From: Tom Behnfield <behnfield...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday September 30, 2017
Compiler: Tom Behnfield
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: September 30, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Saturday September 30, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changed.
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 23 John Haycraft reports Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports a Dunlin and a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Kim Mautitz reported a Fox Sparrow on the Neidrach Nature
Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian, Mark Amershek, Jeff Dawson & Jeff Dawson
reported an Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch Open Space
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd.
and Yale Rd (CR 22)
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
—On September 23 Ted Floyd reports a Black-bellied Plover at Lagerman
Reservoir.
—On September 27 David Dowell reported a Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake
—On September 29 Paula Hansley reported a Cassin's Finch in her yard
—On September 29 Luis Matheus reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Stearns Lake
*DENVER COUNTY:*
—On September 25 Doug Kibbe reported a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Bear Creek
Park (not Bear Creek Lake Park)
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
—On September 22 Gregg Goodrich reports the Long-billed Curlew at Chatfield
SP Marina Sandspit.
—On September 23 Gregg Goodrich reports 2 Juvenile Sabine’s Gulls at the
Chatfield State Park flying over the shore line at the marina sandspit.
—On September 24 Mackenzie Goldthwaite & Doug Kibbe reported a Lesser
Black-backed Gull at the Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
—On September 23 a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was caught at the Banding
Station at Chico Basin Ranch (Fee Area)
*FREMONT COUNTY*
—On September 24 Jerry DeBoer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at the Arkansas
River Walk, 9th Street to Tunnel Drive
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
—On September 22 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP at
Deer Creek Inlet into the lake.
—On September 23 Mary O’Connor reports the Black Phoebe at Deer Creek inlet.
—On September 24 Alison Hixon reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP -
Original Heronry Overlook
—On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S
Platte River Delta
—On September 25 QP reported a Black Phoebe at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP
—On September 25 Brian Johnson, Cynthia Kristenson, Karen Drozda & Chuck
Aid reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta (See
Brian Johnson's Cobird Post for more information)
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Upper Queens/Neeskah Res.
*KIT CARSON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Flagler
Reservoir State Wildlife area.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Kathy Mihm Dunning reported a Red Phalarope at Timnath
Reservoir.
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess & David Wade reported a Black-throated Green Warbler at Rigden
Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) David Leatherman reported the BTGW as well.
—On September 24 Nick Komar & Brandon Nooner reported a MEW GULL at
Horeshoe Reservoir
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 Christine Sparks reported a Black-throated Green Warbler
at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported a Blackpoll Warbler at his residence
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins
—On September 29 Nick Komar reported a Mew Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.
—On September 29 David Wade, Walter Wehtje & Nick Komar reported a
Blackburnian Warbler and a Blackpoll Warbler at Grandview Cemetery in Fort
Collins
—On September 29 Bob Harden reported a Nashville Warbler at Matthews-Reeser
Bird Sanctury
—On September 29 Kelsey King reported a Pine Warbler at Rocky Mountain NP-- Hidden
Valley
*LOGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Black-bellied Plover
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 24 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Black Phoebe at
Cooper's Ditch near Nucla
—On September 25 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Black Phoebe at the
Rose Garden near Nucla
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake
—On September 29 Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow at Nucla
Domestic Reservoir
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 21 David Dowell reported a Red Phalarope at Jackson Reservoir
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
—On September 22 Brandon Percival reported a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and a
Yellow-throated Warbler at Cottonwood Picnic area parking lot below Pueblo
Res. Dam. Photos were obtained.
—On September 24 Brandon Percival and David Chartier reported a
Yellow-throated Warbler and 3 Black Phoebes at lake Pueblo SP - Rock
Canyon/Valco Ponds Area
*Sedgwick County*
—On September 27 Norm Lewis reported an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports seeing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Prewitt Res.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper at 80720,
Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849)
—On September 27 Nic Korte reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir
—On September 29 Nick Moore, Dean Shoup & Joey Kellner reported 3
Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Prewitt Reservoir
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Gene Rutherford reports 2 American Golden-Plover at Water
Treatment Plant at Weld Co. Rds. 62.5 and 51.
—On September 29 Steve Mlodinov reported a LAUGHING GULL at LUNA Reservoir
*YUMA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reports a Broad-winged Hawk near Hwy 59 south
of Yuma.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Today!*
*Denver City Park*, September 30, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Patrick O'Driscoll
(email patodriskATgmail.com Phone: 303-885-6955 <(303)%20885-6955>,) Trail
difficulty: Easy, Maximum participants: 14.
Directions:Meet at parking strip on north side of Ferril Lake. Enter park
from Colorado Blvd. Northbound turns left onto 22nd Ave. past Museum of
Nature & Science; southbound turns right onto 22nd at police station. Go
past museum parking until road curves toward zoo. Take immediate left at
"To Pavilion Bandstand" sign and go 300 yards down to corner with tall
spruce trees, where lake comes into view. Park diagonally on left beneath
spruces.
We'll check on the cormorant and egret colonies but focus on early autumn
migrants. The last day of September (and our DFO Big Month) is on the cusp
for returning waterfowl and winter residents, migrant warblers and other
southbounders. We'll walk 2-3 miles, from Ferrill Lake to the "pinetum"
below the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and back west to Duck Lake
and productive old groves on the park's west side. Dress for the weather
and bring water and snacks. Register online or contact leader.
*9 people have registered for this trip. There are 5 spaces available.*
*Today!*
*Guanella Pass* September 30, 7:30 AM - 5 PM Chuck Hundertmark & Paul Slin
gsby (chundertmark8ATgmail.com or 303-604-0531 <(303)%20604-0531>
, paslingsbyATcomcast.net or 303-422-3728) Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions: We will be exploring stops along the road between Grant and the
top of Guanella Pass. We will depart from the Twin Forks Park-n-Ride, 6164
US Hwy 285 <https://maps.google.com/?q=6164+US+Hwy+285&entry=gmail&source=g>.
Going south on US 285, the Park-n-Ride is on the left just past S. Turkey
Creek Rd.
Details: We will encounter a variety of habitats including coniferous
forests, mixed forest, willow carr, subalpine and alpine regions. We may
take short walks up to 2-4 miles at high altitude. Bring water, snacks,
lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, and clothing layers. Wear sturdy shoes.
We will be looking for sparrows, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and perhaps the
elusive ptarmigan. Register online or contact leader.
*There are 12 spaces available for this trip*
*First Creek at RM Arsena*l October 1, 7:00 AM - 12: PM, John Breitsch
(jbreitschAThotmail.com or 303-588-0552 <(303)%20588-0552>), Trail
difficulty: Easy, Maximum participants: 15.
Directions: From East Denver take 56th Ave east toward Pena Blvd. First
Creek parking lot is just before Pena on your left (north). Or take I-70
east to Pena Blvd. Drive north to 56th Ave Exit. Turn left at the light and
at the bottom of the off ramp, pass under the highway and turn right,
almost immediately, into the First Creek parking lot.
We will start at the same parking lot as 1st Creek @ DOS. We will walk up
Buckley Road, then we turn west at the creek instead of east. The trail
should be finished all the way out to the concrete bunker that can be used
as a viewing blind. We'll hope to see some late migrants and a few resident
species. Until recently, this was a part of the RM Arsenal that was
inaccessible. It should make for great raptor viewing over the winter
months. There currently are no restroom facilities.
*There are 11 people registered for this trip. There are 4 spaces left*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Hey, everybody. I hope we've all been enjoying the glorious overcast, yes?
A solid week of it so far, with more to come. Anyhow, here are a few bird
sightings from the past several days.
*Greenlee/Waneka/Hecla ecological complex, Boulder County, Mon., Sept. 25.*
Quite birdy in the off-and-on drizzle and mist, with such goodies as 1 *broad-tailed
hummingbird, *1 *dusky flycatcher,* 4 *red-breasted nuthatches,* 1 *house
wren,* 1 *American pipit,* 6 *orange-crowned warblers,* 2 *Audubon
warblers,* 5 *Wilson warblers,* 4 *Gambel white-crowned sparrows,* 1 *Lincoln
sparrow, *3 *western tanagers,* 10 *pine siskins,* and 1 *lesser goldfinch.* An
even 50 species total. Despite the overall gloominess, this guy, a *wood
duck* at Greenlee Reservoir, was not to be denied:
*Panamá Reservoir, Boulder County, Tues., Sept. 26.* 25+ *ruddy ducks,*
~360 *western grebes,* 7 *great egrets,* 5 *snowy egrets,* 1 *house wren,*
1 *orange-crowned warbler,* 4 *Gambel white-crowned sparrows,* 1 *Lincoln
sparrow,* and, most remarkable of all, a *Woodhouse scrub-jay.* Of course
this is the year that scrub-jays and other foothills/montane species are
spreading out onto the Plains
<http://blog.aba.org/2017/09/happening-now-mountain-birds-on-the-move-but-how-extensively.html>--so the record makes sense in context. One other sighting from Panamá: on the
drive in, a nice kettle of *turkey vultures,* 100+, doing the vismig thing.
(Brit for *v*isible *m*igration.) I came in on the action a bit late, but
still managed to obtain this documentation of part of the kettle:
*Brunner Reservoir, Broomfield County, Wed., Sept. 27.* So check this out:
There were 3 individual ducks on the rez, representing 3 different species,
and not a one of which I would have expected: *greater scaup,* *lesser
scaup,* and *canvasback.* Also a stirring, stand-up-and-take-notice,
put-your-right-hand-on-your-heart flyover
<https://www.facebook.com/ted.floyd.54/videos/vb.100001532230844/1610498095677916/?type=2&theater> by a couple of *American white pelicans.* And it is gratifying to note that
someone out there in Broomfield has a birderly sense of humor:
*Lake Park Open Space, Boulder County, Thurs., Sept. 28.* The craziest
thing was a substantial gathering of hummingbirds in a dense patch of
shrubs off Via Appia. I'm sure it helped that two nearby residences had
feeders; the shrubs themselves were hammered with tiny arthropods (food,
Leatherman) and festooned with flowers, plus a little creek runs through
the place. Anyhow, 10+ hummers, including two nice *black-chinned
hummingbirds,* formerly rare in Boulder County. Also at the open space: 1 *Cooper
hawk,* 5 *bushtits,* 3 *red-breasted nuthatches,* 1 *house wren,* 2 *blue-gray
gnatcatchers,* 3 *Audubon warblers,* 3 *Wilson warblers,* 3 *chipping
sparrows,* 3 *Gambel white-crowned sparrows,* 6 *Lincoln sparrows,* 1 *green-tailed
towhee,* 3 *western tanagers*, and 2 *pine siskins.* Here is one of the
Lake Park hummingbirds, this one a *broad-tailed hummingbird:*
*Walden Ponds complex, Boulder County, Fri., Sept. 29.* Imagine my surprise
when I saw a tardy *blue grosbeak;* and then another, right next to it; and
then a few seconds later, a *lazuli bunting.* A convention of *Passerina* buntings! Lots
of other stuff out there, too, including 1 *wood duck,* 1 *wild turkey,* 13 *snowy
egrets,* 1 unidentifiable *Plegadis ibis,* 1 *turkey vulture,* 1
messed-up-yet-perfect *Cooper hawk,* 1 *bald eagle,* 3 *Wilson snipe,* 1 *greater
yellowlegs,* 1 *brown creeper,* 1 *house wren,* 2 *American pipits,* 25+ *cheddar
waxwings,* 5 *orange-crowned warblers,* 3 *common yellowthroats,* 1 *myrtle
warbler,* 3 *Audubon warblers,* 2 *Wilson warblers,* 1 *pink-sided junco,*
5 *mountain white-crowned sparrows,* 15 *Gambel white-crowned sparrows,* and
4 *Lincoln sparrows.* Here are a few photographic highlights from Walden:
Finally, I note that the amazing painted lady flight continues
<http://blog.aba.org/2017/09/painted-ladies-or-the-phenomenon-of-phenomena.html>,
despite all the overcast and precipitation. During the handful of times
this week that the sun sort of peeked through, there were painted ladies
galore. Like this one at the Cottonwood Marsh, Walden Ponds complex,
parking lot on my way out this morning:
We were off two more days due to rain......this year we went from too hot to too wet with little in between. Back out today, and the birds were active. We caught 44 new, and we also caught 29 birds that had been banded previously this fall. There appear to be lots of warblers hanging around, not ready for the next leg of their migration - today we caught 15 Wilson's that were already banded; more than we banded today. Here's the breakdown of the new birds:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 6:30 and should have birds back at the station before 7:30. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 9/29/17 1:56 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] Passerine Migrants, CSR, El Paso Co, Friday
Hey COBirders,
After two days missed for steady rain at Clear Spring Ranch, today was still wet, but just foggy and misty, and banding resumed. Many Wilson’s and Orange-crowned Warblers were caught at dawn, and a mix of other migrants. None rare, many unusual. Then after a lull, another wave arrived about 10:30, composed mostly of Spizella sp., RC Kinglets, White-crowned Sparrows, Warbling Vireo, and a very late Lazuli Bunting (HY, F). 90 birds banded today.
Warbling Vireo
Mountain Chickadee (2 more - now 7, I had never had ANY previously!)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2
Orange-crowned Warbler 9
Audubon’s YR Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler, 17
Chipping Sparrow, 32
Brewer’s Sparrow, 2
Clay-colored Sparrow, 5
Vesper Sparrow
Gambell’s WC Sparrow, 7
Mountain WC Sparrow (FOS)
Song Sparrow, 3
Lincolns Sparrow, 3
Spotted Towhee, 3
Lazuli Bunting
A pretty good mix. The low ceiling continued all morning, with a light SW breeze.I was still catching some birds at 1245, but was getting pretty tired by that point. Tomorrow….
Date: 9/29/17 12:22 pm From: Joey <vireo1...> Subject: [cobirds] Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Prewitt Res. - Washington
Dean Shoup and I had THREE Buff-breasted Sandpipers that were seen together on the north side shoreline of what was the inlet canal (water no longer flowing into the reservoir).
Also: 2 Black-bellied Plover 2 American Golden Plover 26 Red-necked Phalarope 103 Pectoral Sandpiper 7 Common Tern 3 Forster's Tern 1 Sabine's Gull 1 White-faced Ibis
Is it early October? Then it must be Sprague’s Pipit time! This elusive
bird comes through eastern Colorado like clockwork every fall. Because
these Pipits’ habitat preferences are very specific, we can set up a field
trip to maximize the chances of seeing these secretive birds with some
accuracy.
Join Bill who knows these prairie areas better than any other birder, for a
weekend long trip to eastern CO to look for these elusive Pipits and other
grassland denizens. For the target bird, Bill has received permission to
visit The Nature Conservancy's private Fox Ranch. Le Conte's Sparrow is
also a possibility. Saturday night, you will stay in Wray, CO. Sunday,
you will swing through southwestern Nebraska for other great birding areas
before heading home. The route back will be determined according what
places are hot or not. Meeting time and place will be arranged later.
Pack lunches for Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is provided by the motel on
Sunday morning. On Saturday evening, there is a great restaurant in Wray
named, “4th and Main”. The participants on the Prairie Chicken trip earlier
this year very much enjoyed the dinner there. You will be responsible for
making your own reservations at the Cobblestone Inn, Wray, CO (970 332
5000). I will call and reserve a block, so you should mention you are with
the BCAS group for the great price I have negotiated.
Date: 9/29/17 9:24 am From: Jay Hutchins <jay1125...> Subject: [cobirds] Jim Hamm Blackbirds (again)
All:
Finally had decent weather this morning and the huge numbers of blackbirds did not disappoint. I got video of 3 out 4 “departures” to share, and it still can’t capture how many birds are there. With nice weather over the weekend, I’d strongly encourage anyone who’s looking for high “wow” factor to come check it out. Like last year, something soon will trigger their departure so this wonderful display has a limited run. If you get there by 6:20 am or so, you’ll see 100’s of gulls and mallards leaving Union Reservoir (just to the east) and flying overhead.
Kudos to Todd D. who suggested I share this with the city of Longmont, I got connected with a nice lady named Holly Milne ini the Communications Dept and she posted a nice summary on FB & Twitter.
I’d love to hear if anyone else knows of an area along the front range where you can see huge counts of birds like this?
Jim Hamm Nature Area: Located on East County Line Rd and 17th Ave in Longmont.
Rest of my checklist:
American Wigeon 4
Mallard 8
Redhead 5
Ring-necked Duck 7
Pied-billed Grebe 13
American White Pelican 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (Noped right out of there when he got mobbed)
American Coot 93
Ring-billed Gull 104
European Starling 2000 (est.)
Yellow-headed Blackbird 9000 (est.)
Red-winged Blackbird 4000 (est.)
Common Grackle 1000 (est.)
Date: 9/29/17 8:15 am From: Paula Hansley <redstart.paula...> Subject: [cobirds] Gray catbird and Cassin's finch, Louisville
A catbird is mewing from the lower branches of a fir tree and 2 red-breasted and 2 white-breasted nuthatches are eating sunflower seeds and suet, respectively in my front yard. Earlier, a female Cassin's finch (new for property) was chirping in my Wash. Hawthorne tree! The Cassin's has a much "fuller" chip than a House finch.
Date: 9/29/17 7:23 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Blackburnian Warbler at Grandview Cemetery (Fort Collins, Larimer)
The Warbler flock continues this morning at Grandview Cem in Fort Collins, including both the Townsend's warbler and the Blackburnian warbler. Thanks to Dave for posting.
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
> On Sep 28, 2017, at 6:27 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote:
>
> I was in Windsor scouting a field trip that occurs tomorrow with the ornithology class at Front Range Community College when I got a phone call from Joe Mammoser about a tantalizing empid flycatcher he had just seen at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins. Joe said the bird disappeared when the weed-whipping crew arrived and he never got a definitive look. But I decided to head that way to check my patch.
>
>
> Upon arrival, the general area of the northeastern corner of the cemetery along Grandview Avenue (formally Section 11 on the cemetery map) was alive with birds. At least 25, maybe more, yellow-rumps were zooming about as if being tortured by electric current. Mixed in were a handful of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a few orange-crowns, a Plumbeous Vireo, a Western Wood-Pewee and lots of local riffraff like Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a few White-breasted Nuthatches and a Downy Woodpecker. Sorting thru each individual for a potential "Waldo", I got a brief glimpse of what I thought was a Blackburnian Warbler. The group was roaming wildly from tree to tree and I followed it thru the neighborhood and back into Section 11 for over an hour. The Blackburnian showed itself again and I managed some terrible but voucher photographs (high in the tree, overcast sky, moving fairly fast, low light, you name it - definitely not a studio session with umbrellas, preselected Rocky Mountain fall color background and squeeky toy to elicit a fun reaction).
>
> I called Joe back and he made it all the way across town. We walked the quiet cemetery and were heading to our cars when we got into what I was sure was the right group of birds again. This was south of the entry bridge along the ditch and then moving east into Section 10 and north over the old stone office building. Joe spotted the Blackburnian, we saw it interact somewhat agonistically with a pale Townsend's, and we also saw a Cassin's Vireo in the flock. Then just like that, they were gone. They are probably in the area. Not sure about the chances of finding them tomorrow morning but the "marker" birds are yellow-rumps and the western wood-pewee which is giving an alternate vocalization from its "song". The Blackburnian chip note is metallic but not as sharp as a typical Townsend's, given only very infrequently, but once you get onto it, is helpful in locating the bird amid the chaos of motion from its cohorts.
>
>
> Key field marks: "normal" proportions (i.e. tail not short like Tennesee, not long like Yellow-rumped), wings black with bold white wingbars, back striped, crown somewhat striped, auricular patch darker than surrounding yellow, head with lots of pale yellow (supercillium, lore and malar), upper breast and throat color is a "glowing" yellow with just a tinge of orange, feint stripes on the flanks, undertail white. And then there's the call note.
>
> <gc 005ec.jpg> <gc 010ec.jpg>
>
>
> <gc 020ecs.jpg>
>
>
> Dave Leatherman
>
> Fort Collins
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
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Date: 9/29/17 4:32 am From: Tom Behnfield <behnfield...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Friday September 29, 2017
Compiler: Tom Behnfield
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: September 29, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Friday, September 29, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Scott Somershoe reported the Dunlin at Barr Lake SP, he
was walking on the Neidrach Nature Trail & Visitor Center.
—On September 23 John Haycraft reports Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports a Dunlin and a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Kim Mautitz reported a Fox Sparrow on the Neidrach Nature
Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP
*ARAPAHOE COUNTY:*
—On September 26 David Suddjian, Mark Amershek, Jeff Dawson & Jeff Dawson
reported an Eastern Bluebird at Richmil Ranch Open Space
—On September 27 Cathy Sheeter reported a Cassin's Kingbird at Watkins Rd.
and Yale Rd (CR 22)
—On September 28 Loch Kilpatrick reported a Cassin's Kingbird at the Lake
Loop at Cherry Creek State Park
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
—On September 22 Scott Severs reports a Broad-winged Hawk near 4949 Pearl E
Circle <https://maps.google.com/?q=4949+Pearl+E+Circle&entry=gmail&source=g> in
Boulder.
—On September 23 Ted Floyd reports a Black-bellied Plover at Lagerman
Reservoir.
—On September 27 David Dowell reported a Black-bellied Plover at Terry Lake
*DENVER COUNTY:*
—On September 25 Doug Kibbe reported a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Bear Creek
Park (not Bear Creek Lake Park)
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Anna Troth reported a Long-billed Curlew at Chatfield SP
Marina Sandspit. On September 22 Gregg Goodrich reports the Long-billed
Curlew at Chatfield SP Marina Sandspit.
—On September 23 Gregg Goodrich reports 2 Juvenile Sabine’s Gulls at the
Chatfield State Park flying over the shore line at the marina sandspit.
—On September 24, Gregg Goodrich reported a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at the
Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
—On September 24 Mackenzie Goldthwaite & Doug Kibbe reported a Lesser
Black-backed Gull at the Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
—On September 23 a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was caught at the Banding
Station at Chico Basin Ranch (Fee Area)
*FREMONT COUNTY*
—On September 24 Jerry DeBoer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at the Arkansas
River Walk, 9th Street to Tunnel Drive
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
—On September 22 Steve Rash reported a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at the swim
beach at Chatfield SP.
—On September 22 Crystal Wilson reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP at
Deer Creek Inlet into the lake. On September 23 Mary O’Connor reports the
Black Phoebe at Deer Creek inlet.
—On September 23 Scott Manwaring reported an Arctic Tern at Chatfield SP a
Plum Creek Delta.
—On September 24 Alison Hixon reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP -
Original Heronry Overlook
—On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S
Platte River Delta
—On September 25 QP reported a Black Phoebe at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP
—On September 25 Brian Johnson, Cynthia Kristenson, Karen Drozda & Chuck
Aid reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta (See
Brian Johnson's Cobird Post for more information)
—On September 27 Aaron Yappert, Myron Gerhard, Gregg Goodrich, Mark
Amershek, Anna Troth, Bart Deferme, John Whitaker & Rob Raker reported a
Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Jane Stulp re-found the LAUGHING GULL at Neenoshe Res.
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported the LAUGHING GULL and a Red
Phalarope at Neenoshe Res.
—On September 26 Steve Mlodinov reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Upper Queens/Neeskah Res.
*KIT CARSON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reported a Broad-winged Hawk at Flagler
Reservoir State Wildlife area.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Nick Komar reports a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boyd Lake.
—On September 21 Cliff Hendrick reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Arapahoe Bend Natural Area.
—On September 21 Joe Mammoser reported a Sabine’s Gull at Rigden Res., also
know as Strauss Cabin Lake, east of Fort Collins. It was frequenting the
north and west sides of the res.
—On September 23 Kathy Mihm Dunning reported a Red Phalarope at Timnath
Reservoir.
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess & David Wade reported a Black-throated Green Warbler at Rigden
Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) David Leatherman reported the BTGW as well.
—On September 24 Nick Komar & Brandon Nooner reported a MEW GULL at
Horeshoe Reservoir
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 Christine Sparks reported a Black-throated Green Warbler
at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
—On September 27 Nick Komar reported a Blackpoll Warbler at his residence
—On September 28 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler at
Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins
*LOGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Black-bellied Plover
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 24 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Black Phoebe at
Cooper's Ditch near Nucla
—On September 25 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Black Phoebe at the
Rose Garden near Nucla
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch
—On September 28 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Sagebrush Sparrow
at Airport Lake
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 21 David Dowell reported a Red Phalarope at Jackson Reservoir
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Brandon Pervical reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull near
the pool below Pueblo Res. Dam.
—On September 22 Brandon Percival reported a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and a
Yellow-throated Warbler at Cottonwood Picnic area parking lot below Pueblo
Res. Dam. Photos were obtained.
—On September 24 Brandon Percival and David Chartier reported a
Yellow-throated Warbler and 3 Black Phoebes at lake Pueblo SP - Rock
Canyon/Valco Ponds Area
*Sedgwick County*
—On September 27 Norm Lewis reported an EASTERN MEADOWLARK at DePoorter Lake
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Matt Clark reports seeing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Prewitt Res.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports seeing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Prewitt Res.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper at 80720,
Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849)
—On September 27 Nic Korte reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Prewitt
Reservoir
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Gene Rutherford reports 2 American Golden-Plover at Water
Treatment Plant at Weld Co. Rds. 62.5 and 51.
*YUMA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reports a Broad-winged Hawk near Hwy 59 south
of Yuma.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Denver City Park*, September 30, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Patrick O'Driscoll
(email patodriskATgmail.com Phone: 303-885-6955,) Trail difficulty: Easy,
Maximum participants: 14.
Directions:Meet at parking strip on north side of Ferril Lake. Enter park
from Colorado Blvd. Northbound turns left onto 22nd Ave. past Museum of
Nature & Science; southbound turns right onto 22nd at police station. Go
past museum parking until road curves toward zoo. Take immediate left at
"To Pavilion Bandstand" sign and go 300 yards down to corner with tall
spruce trees, where lake comes into view. Park diagonally on left beneath
spruces.
We'll check on the cormorant and egret colonies but focus on early autumn
migrants. The last day of September (and our DFO Big Month) is on the cusp
for returning waterfowl and winter residents, migrant warblers and other
southbounders. We'll walk 2-3 miles, from Ferrill Lake to the "pinetum"
below the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and back west to Duck Lake
and productive old groves on the park's west side. Dress for the weather
and bring water and snacks. Register online or contact leader.
*9 people have registered for this trip. There are 5 spaces available.*
*Guanella Pass* September 30, 7:30 AM - 5 PM Chuck Hundertmark & Paul Slin
gsby (
chundertmark8ATgmail.com or 303-604-0531, paslingsbyATcomcast.net or 303-422-3728) Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions: We will be exploring stops along the road between Grant and the
top of Guanella Pass. We will depart from the Twin Forks Park-n-Ride, 6164
US Hwy 285. Going south on US 285, the Park-n-Ride is on the left just past
S. Turkey Creek Rd.
Details: We will encounter a variety of habitats including coniferous
forests, mixed forest, willow carr, subalpine and alpine regions. We may
take short walks up to 2-4 miles at high altitude. Bring water, snacks,
lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, and clothing layers. Wear sturdy shoes.
We will be looking for sparrows, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and perhaps the
elusive ptarmigan. Register online or contact leader.
*There are 12 spaces available for this trip*
*First Creek at RM Arsena*l October 1, 7:00 AM - 12: PM, John Breitsch
(jbreitschAThotmail.com or 303-588-0552), Trail difficulty: Easy, Maximum
participants: 15.
Directions: From East Denver take 56th Ave east toward Pena Blvd. First
Creek parking lot is just before Pena on your left (north). Or take I-70
east to Pena Blvd. Drive north to 56th Ave Exit. Turn left at the light and
at the bottom of the off ramp, pass under the highway and turn right,
almost immediately, into the First Creek parking lot.
We will start at the same parking lot as 1st Creek @ DOS. We will walk up
Buckley Road, then we turn west at the creek instead of east. The trail
should be finished all the way out to the concrete bunker that can be used
as a viewing blind. We'll hope to see some late migrants and a few resident
species. Until recently, this was a part of the RM Arsenal that was
inaccessible. It should make for great raptor viewing over the winter
months. There currently are no restroom facilities.
*There are 11 people registered for this trip. There are 4 spaces left*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
Date: 9/28/17 5:27 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Blackburnian Warbler at Grandview Cemetery (Fort Collins, Larimer)
I was in Windsor scouting a field trip that occurs tomorrow with the ornithology class at Front Range Community College when I got a phone call from Joe Mammoser about a tantalizing empid flycatcher he had just seen at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins. Joe said the bird disappeared when the weed-whipping crew arrived and he never got a definitive look. But I decided to head that way to check my patch.
Upon arrival, the general area of the northeastern corner of the cemetery along Grandview Avenue (formally Section 11 on the cemetery map) was alive with birds. At least 25, maybe more, yellow-rumps were zooming about as if being tortured by electric current. Mixed in were a handful of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a few orange-crowns, a Plumbeous Vireo, a Western Wood-Pewee and lots of local riffraff like Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a few White-breasted Nuthatches and a Downy Woodpecker. Sorting thru each individual for a potential "Waldo", I got a brief glimpse of what I thought was a Blackburnian Warbler. The group was roaming wildly from tree to tree and I followed it thru the neighborhood and back into Section 11 for over an hour. The Blackburnian showed itself again and I managed some terrible but voucher photographs (high in the tree, overcast sky, moving fairly fast, low light, you name it - definitely not a studio session with umbrellas, preselected Rocky Mountain fall color background and squeeky toy to elicit a fun reaction).
I called Joe back and he made it all the way across town. We walked the quiet cemetery and were heading to our cars when we got into what I was sure was the right group of birds again. This was south of the entry bridge along the ditch and then moving east into Section 10 and north over the old stone office building. Joe spotted the Blackburnian, we saw it interact somewhat agonistically with a pale Townsend's, and we also saw a Cassin's Vireo in the flock. Then just like that, they were gone. They are probably in the area. Not sure about the chances of finding them tomorrow morning but the "marker" birds are yellow-rumps and the western wood-pewee which is giving an alternate vocalization from its "song". The Blackburnian chip note is metallic but not as sharp as a typical Townsend's, given only very infrequently, but once you get onto it, is helpful in locating the bird amid the chaos of motion from its cohorts.
Key field marks: "normal" proportions (i.e. tail not short like Tennesee, not long like Yellow-rumped), wings black with bold white wingbars, back striped, crown somewhat striped, auricular patch darker than surrounding yellow, head with lots of pale yellow (supercillium, lore and malar), upper breast and throat color is a "glowing" yellow with just a tinge of orange, feint stripes on the flanks, undertail white. And then there's the call note.
Date: 9/28/17 4:51 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Littleton and Ken Caryl Valley 9/27-28
In the early evening yesterday 9/27 there was a flock of about 40 Spizella sparrows at the Littleton Cemetery. They were hard to view as they flew up into the trees, but of the 13 I managed to study, all 13 were *Clay-colored Sparrows!* A flock was in the same area this morning 9/28 and today the flock had about 60 sparrows. This time I was able to view more of the birds, and I counted/estimated 19 *Chipping Sparrows *(75% HY), 14 *Clay-colored Sparrows*, 1 *Brewer's Sparrow* and 25 or so Spizella sp. On 9/27 there was a *Golden-crowned Kinglet* at the cemetery, and on 9/28 there was a *Mountain Chickadee*, a *Hairy Woodpecker* (Rocky Mtn form), and three fly-over *Pine Siskins* - all good birds for the immediate area along So. Prince St.
Ay Ken Caryl Valley on 9/27 I had 4 *Evening Grosbeaks* fly over near my home. Today my yard still has multiple *Broad-tailed Hummers*, as well as 1-2 *Rufous* and 1 female *Black-chinned Hummer*. The latter is uncommon for my yard, and this individual is very confiding.
I've counted 13 terns at Pelican Point in Cherry Creek SP, and another 6 on the west side of the lake. They all look like Common Terns, but I'm not an expert. Just wanted to alert all the ternophiles out there that there is plenty to look at currently.
Date: 9/28/17 9:33 am From: PH Stoltz <peterhstoltz...> Subject: [cobirds] Solitary Sandpiper Platte River Denver County
Hi all,
I regularly ride the stretch of the Platte River from REI to the Downtown Aquarium, right by Elitch's. The past few weeks, I've seen plenty of Killdeer on the sand banks, sometimes up to a dozen of them. Last Friday I saw a Black Crowned Night Heron perched in the falls at the confluence.
Yesterday (Weds the 27th) at about 5pm I saw a Solitary Sandpiper in the sand on the bank on the east side. It was a first for me in that stretch of the river!
Date: 9/27/17 7:22 pm From: Mike Henwood <mhawkhen...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Vireo - Highline Lake SP - Mesa county
This afternoon Eileen Cunningham, David Price and myself ran into a mixed flock at Highland Lake State Park that included a *Cassin's Vireo, *a late Warbling Vireo, Mountain Chickadees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Wilson's and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warblers. The location was on the west side near the entrance to the Mack Mesa side. Had great looks at most of the birds.
Date: 9/27/17 6:38 pm From: Jeff Parks <lastimout...> Subject: [cobirds] Bluebirds
Hey-o
I went birding in a couple of locations this week, and there seems to be a bunch of Mountain Bluebirds around right now. I was along Cherryvale south of US36 in the last couple of days, and saw a few there, stopped by 66th/Marshall this afternoon and saw a dozen or so out where the hiking/biking trail crosses the road, and then out at Doudy Draw, there was another dozen or so working the hillsides, with some Yellow-Rumped Warblers and White-Crowned Sparrows.
There were also a few Western Bluebirds at Heil Ranch this morning, along the new Overland Loop, as well as a flock of sparrows (a bunch of Chipping, a few Vesper and White-Crowned), a decent sized flock of Pygmy Nuthatches, a few Dark-Eyed Juncos, and a Green-Tailed Towhee. A few Kestrels, a juvenile Golden Eagle flyby, some Stellar's Jays and Woodpeckers rounded out the bunch. The flock of turkeys was up where the Wapiti Trail starts today.
Date: 9/27/17 5:14 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Rock Wrens - Arapahoe Co.
I've had the good fortune of watching the Rock Wren on and off this afternoon (9/27), as it's foraged around...not surprisingly...the collection of rocks roughly approximating a rock garden in my backyard. This bird is incredibly tame, fearlessly approaching me as I photographed it. Two or three times it came within an arm's length. I'd hold my breath, hold still, and it would pass by. A few times, it came so close that it wouldn't fit in the camera frame.
The bird especially likes the rotted log I added to my yard this spring. It came from a neighbor's tree, which fell after a storm. The wren inspected the hollowed core of the log, two or three times emerging with something.
On Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 1:49:00 PM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > A half hour ago, I took a break from work to inspect the sparrow flock in > my yard. (All Chipping...) As I did, a Rock Wren, my first in Arapahoe > County, flew into my yard. It took a few conspicuous perches near me -- > wood pile, tree stump, neighbor's bird bath -- not seeming to do much else > but a few, halfhearted squats. (And it's still there...on the wood pile, > standing around.) > > This was an especially happy encounter for me. Just a few days ago, when I > visited Willow Spring Open Space (which looks good for migrating Rock > Wrens), I was wondering when I'd encounter one in the county. Then I read > David Suddjian's post about seeing them in east Arapahoe and felt a twinge > of jealousy. > > Turns out this bird is peppering west Arapahoe County this fall. According > to eBird, David saw his first at St. Mary's Church this fall. Ben Sampson > added a Rock Wren in his yard a few days ago. And there's a report, from > the start of this month, of four at an open space near Denver Tech Center. > > - Jared Del Rosso > Centennial< CO >
Date: 9/27/17 5:11 pm From: <joe......> <joega140...> Subject: [cobirds] August 2017 Birds in Woodland Park and Beyond
August 2017 Birds, Woodland Park area and Beyond
On August 3 had 18 species in feeder/water area
Double-crested Cormorant- near Nathrop on 8-16
Turkey Vulture, yard area on 8-5, 8-20, Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart
Res. on 8-24
Bald Eagle- South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23
Swainson’s Hawk- 2 along Cty. Rd. 140 near Ponchas Springs on 8-16 (one
dark phase)
Northern Goshawk- 2 juvs. Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 8-14
Dusky Grouse- Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Mounts Shavano
and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16, Halfmoon Creek Trail on
8-28
Spotted Sandpiper- Creek along Marshall Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on 8-11
Belted Kingfisher- Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart Res. on 8-24
Mourning Dove- yard area on 8-3, 8-13
Eurasian Collared-Dove- yard area on 8-25
Band-tailed Pigeon- new yard bird on 8-3, at ground tray feeder eating
millet, 2 on Halfmoon Creek Trail on 8-28
Broad-tailed Hummingbird- in yard area thru month, Mounts Shavano and
Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16
Calliope Hummingbird- female in yard area 8-14, 8-18 (picking bugs off
bird feeder), 8-20, 8-22, 8-24, 8-25 (male)
Downy Woodpecker- yard area on 8-3, 8-8
Red-naped Sapsucker- juv. at moving water feature on 8-13, new yard bird,
8-17, Creek along Marshall Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on 8-11
Williamson’s Sapsucker- yard area thru 8-25, Rainbow Gulch Area near
Rampart Res. on 8-24, Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas
Springs on 8-16
Northern Three-toed Woodpecker- Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on
8-11, Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16 (3
with juv.), Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 8-14
Cordilleran Flycatcher- yard area singing early Aug., Lovell Gulch Trail on
8-4 (singing), 4 Mile Creek Trail at Dome Rock SWA near Divide on 8-1
(singing)
Dusky Flycatcher- South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23 (migrant)
Olive-sided Flycatcher- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 8-9
and 8-14
Violet-green Swallow- Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy
Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Plumbeous Vireo, singing on Notch Mountain Trail near Vail on 8-28
Warbling Vireo, Lovell Gulch Trail on 8-4 (calling), Creek along Marshall
Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5
Steller’s Jay- flock of 5 in yard area on 8-13
Pinyon Jay- yard area flock flyover of 14 on 8-20
Black-billed Magpie- flock of 25 in yard area on 8-3
Gray Jay, Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11
Clark’s Nutcracker, Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, yard area
on 8-23, Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16,
Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Common Raven- Flock of 30+ Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas
Springs on 8-16, flock of 33 on Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy
Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Ruby-crowned Kinglet- Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5 (juv.), Notch
Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Golden-crowned Kinglet- Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir on 8-14
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher- Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart Res. on 8-24
(migrant)
Western Bluebird, yard area on 8-3, juv. on 8-17
Mountain Bluebird- Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11
Hermit Thrush, juv. at elevated birdbath on 8-22, Lovell Gulch Trail on
8-4, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5, Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart
Res. on 8-24
American Robin- 4 Mile Creek Trail at Dome Rock SWA near Divide on 8-1
(flocking)
House Wren- Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart Res. on 8-24 (juvs.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch- yard area on 8-13, 8-23, , Parent’s house in
Englewood on 8-25, Creek along Marshall Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on
8-11, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5, Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache
Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16
White-breasted Nuthatch- juvs. in yard area on 8-13
Pygmy Nuthatch- juvs. in yard area on 8-13
Brown Creeper- Lovell Gulch Trail on 8-4 (singing), Mount Ouray Trail near
Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5 (singing),
Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16, Notch
Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
American Pipit- Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Mounts Shavano
and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16 (juvs.), Notch
Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Western Tanager- Male and female at moving water feature in yard area on
8-2, 8-3 also male on 8-14 , 4 Mile Creek Trail at Dome Rock SWA near
Divide on 8-1 (juvs.)
Wilson’s Warbler- South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23 (migrant)
Yellow-rumped Warbler- South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23, Yard
area on 8-3, 8-25, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5, Mounts Shavano
and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16, Notch Mountain-Halo
Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Yellow Warbler- Creek along Marshall Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on 8-11,
South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23
MacGillivray’s Warbler- singing, 4 Mile Creek Trail at Dome Rock SWA near
Divide on 8-1
Black-headed Grosbeak- yard area on 8-2, 8-3, juvs. in yard area on 8-13
Chipping Sparrow, yard area 8-3, 8-19, Lovell Gulch Trail on 8-4
Vesper Sparrow- Creek along Marshall Pass Road near Ponchas Pass on 8-11
Lincoln’s Sparrow- 4 Mile Creek Trail at Dome Rock SWA near Divide on 8-1,
Rainbow Gulch area near Rampart Reservoir thru month4
Dark-eyed Junco- juvs. in yard area on 8-17
Brewer’s Blackbird- flocking in Woodland Park on 8-10, large flock along
Cty. Rd. 140 near Ponchas Springs on 8-16
Evening Grosbeak- lots in yard area yard area esp. juvs. thru mid-Aug.,
Lovell Gulch Trail on 8-4, Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5
Pine Siskin- yard area good numbers esp. juvs. thru mid Aug. then decrease
thru end of month, juvs. in yard area on 8-13, Lovell Gulch Trail on 8-4,
Lovell/White Gulch Loop Trail on 8-5, Rainbow Gulch Area near Rampart Res.
on 8-24
Lesser Goldfinch- Parent’s house in Englewood on 8-25, yard area on 8-5,
8-6, 8-10, South Platte River near Lake George on 8-23, Rainbow Gulch Area
near Rampart Res. on 8-24
Pine Grosbeak- Notch Mountain Trail near Vail on 8-28, Mount Ouray Trail
near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy
Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
House Finch- juvs. in yard area on 8-13
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch- 1 on Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11,
Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas Springs on 8-16 (lots,
juvs.), Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails
on 8-28
Red Crossbill- Mount Ouray Trail near Ponchas Pass on 8-11, Notch
Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek Trails on 8-28
Also:
Short-tailed Weasel- Mounts Shavano and Tabeguache Trail near Ponchas
Springs on 8-16, hunting for chipmunks among rocks in alpine tundra
Pine Squirrel- Notch Mountain-Halo Ridge-Mount of Holy Cross-Halfmoon Creek
Trails on 8-28 collecting mushrooms
Date: 9/27/17 12:49 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Rock Wrens - Arapahoe Co.
A half hour ago, I took a break from work to inspect the sparrow flock in my yard. (All Chipping...) As I did, a Rock Wren, my first in Arapahoe County, flew into my yard. It took a few conspicuous perches near me -- wood pile, tree stump, neighbor's bird bath -- not seeming to do much else but a few, halfhearted squats. (And it's still there...on the wood pile, standing around.)
This was an especially happy encounter for me. Just a few days ago, when I visited Willow Spring Open Space (which looks good for migrating Rock Wrens), I was wondering when I'd encounter one in the county. Then I read David Suddjian's post about seeing them in east Arapahoe and felt a twinge of jealousy.
Turns out this bird is peppering west Arapahoe County this fall. According to eBird, David saw his first at St. Mary's Church this fall. Ben Sampson added a Rock Wren in his yard a few days ago. And there's a report, from the start of this month, of four at an open space near Denver Tech Center.
I'm thinking I may be a Blackbird Magnet this week. Went up to the Centerra Mall in Loveland this afternoon and did a drive by the sculpture garden/open space on the east side and just saw easily 1000+ grackles come through.
Date: 9/27/17 10:15 am From: Chris Selvig <mrselvig...> Subject: [cobirds] Willets, John Martin Reservoir
On a visit to John Martin Reservoir yesterday I got a good look at a pair of Willets flying along the north shore of the lake, near 19 Road. On a side note, accessing Blue Lake is extremely difficult due to recent heavy rains and consequent deep mud on the roads south and east of the lake. The most notable birds near there were a group of American Avocets feeding in a stock dam pond. Caution regarding mud is advised around John Martin as well.
Date: 9/27/17 9:08 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] eastern Arapahoe County 9/26
Seldom posted about (and as seldom birded?), DFO's field trip to eastern Arapahoe County yesterday ended up with a fair cross section of species, but mostly it was pretty quiet except for *Vesper Sparrows*, *Horned Larks*, and *Western Meadowlarks* along the prairie roads.
Richmil Ranch Open Space near Deer Trail was lovely with the early sun sliding in for a time before being shut out by clouds. The highlight there was a pair of *Eastern Bluebird*s that flew over us. And there were at least 31 *Blue Jays*, including flocks moving west.
There was only water at one location - a small pond along Wall Road (CR 42). There we had *Blue-winged* and *Green-winged Teal*, *Ruddy Duck*, *Mallard *and *Pied-billed Grebe*... a bounty of water birds for eastern ARA in September!
We enjoyed a *Cassin's Kingbird* at CR 241 just north of an abandoned ranch a short way north of CR 34, and another *Cassin's* at CR 157 (Strasburg Road) near Dorado St. Both were eating grasshoppers. No Westerns seen.
At CR 169 there is a prairie dog town on the east side over a mile south of Hwy 36. Maybe there are a few more here or there, but this is the only dog town I've seen out in eastern Arapahoe. We had 3 or maybe 4 *Burrowing Owls* there.
I was fairly sure I heard Lapland Longspurs flying over at two spots along CR 241, and saw the small birds flying. But it is early, I was not able to actually see any marks on the birds, and the encounters were brief. I think that is what I heard, but I'm letting it go.
Date: 9/27/17 8:50 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird (Larimer)
A Cassin's Kingbird is hanging out this morning at the parking lot of Maxwell natural area just north of Dixon reservoir in Fort Collins Colorado. It is calling incessantly: "chuweer".
Date: 9/27/17 5:32 am From: 'Mark Peterson' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Kit Carson county --- Sprague's Pipit, 9/26/17
Hi COBirders,
Yesterday while out at a private ranch I flushed a SPRAGUE'S PIPIT in a recently grazed tall grass pasture. The pasture is now a short grass pasture. The bird did its typical shoot straight up to around 100 feet and then stair stepped its way back to the ground where I was able to relocate it and get some decent photos.
I realize this is on private land but I know some of you like to go look for them and I thought it would be good to know that they are around now.
One other cool thing I observed yesterday was a MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER hunting in tandem, okay, I don't think the Harrier really wanted the Merlin around but nonetheless. The Harrier was doing his typical cruising for prey while the Merlin would stay way up above him. At one point the Harrier flushed a VESPER SPARROW and the Merlin gave immediate chase. The Vesper made it to the corn before the Merlin go to it so the Harrier came in and dropped right down in the corn where the Sparrow had gone down. The Merlin then proceeded to rip in and out of the corn while the Harrier was working it. They did this for about 5 minutes (approximately 10 minutes total) before finally giving up and flying off "together" to the north. All of this happened about 100 feet from where I was standing, very cool!
-----Mark Peterson
Colorado Springs
Date: 9/27/17 4:51 am From: Tom Behnfield <behnfield...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday September 27, 2017
Compiler: Tom Behnfield
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: September 27, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, September 27, sponsored by
Denver Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 18 Jesse Casias reported an American Golden-Plover at Barr
Lake SP along the Neidrach Nature Trail & visitor center area.
—On September 19 the American Golden-Plover was seen again at Barr Lake SP
by David Dowell. On September 20 the American Golden-Plover was seen at
Barr Lake SP.
—On September 21 Scott Somershoe reports the Dunlin at Barr Lake SP, he was
walking on the Neidrach Nature Trail & Visitor Center.
—On September 22 Kathy Mihm Dunning reports an Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake
SP.
—On September 23 John Haycraft reports Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports a Dunlin and a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Kim Mautitz reported a Fox Sparrow on the Neidrach Nature
Trail at Barr Lake SP
—On September 26 Meredith McBurney banded a Fox Sparrow at Barr Lake SP
*BACA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Rebecca Laroche reports an Olive-sided Flycatcher at
Picture Canyon.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
—On September 23 Ted Floyd reports a Black-bellied Plover at Lagerman
Reservoir.
—On September 22 Scott Severs reports a Broad-winged Hawk near 4949 Pearl E
Circle in Boulder.
*BROOMFIELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Matt Hofeditz reported a Solitary Sandpiper at Quail Creek
Park.
*DENVER COUNTY:*
—On September 19 around 5:30 pm Karl Stecher was driving east on Yale from
Wadsworth, about eight blocks in, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK sailed and flapped
at treetop level from right to left across the road. He searched the
neighborhood but did not find the bird.
—On September 23 Doug Kibbe reported a Cassin’s Vireo at Bluff Lake Nature
Center.
—On September 24 Jeff Dawson reported a Solitary Sandpiper at Westerley
Creek Park
—On September 25 Doug Kibbe reported a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Bear Creek
Park (not Bear Creek Lake Park)
*DOUGLAS COUNTY:*
—On September 21 Anna Troth reports a Long-billed Curlew at Chatfield SP
Marina Sandspit. On September 22 Gregg Goodrich reports the Long-billed
Curlew at Chatfield SP Marina Sandspit.
—On September 23 Gregg Goodrich reports 2 Juvenile Sabine’s Gulls at the
Chatfield State Park flying over the shore line at the marina sandspit.
—On September 24, Gregg Goodrich reported a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at the
Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
—On September 24 Cynthia Madsen reported a Nashville Warbler at Parker
Regional Park - AKA Salisbury Equestrian Park
—On September 24 Mackenzie Goldthwaite & Doug Kibbe reported a Lesser
Black-backed Gull at the Marina Sandspit at Chatfield SP
*EL PASO COUNTY:*
—On September 23 a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was caught at the Banding
Station at Chico Basin Ranch (Fee Area)
—On September 24 Steve Brown reported an Eastern Phoebe at Clear Spring
Ranch
*FREMONT COUNTY*
—On September 24 Jerry DeBoer reported a Broad-winged Hawk at the Arkansas
River Walk, 9th Street to Tunnel Drive
*JEFFERSON COUNTY:*
—On September 20 Pablo Quezada reported a RED KNOT at Chatfield SP, it was
at the swim beach. It was seen by multiple birders yesterday.
—On September 20 Tom Behnfield reports a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP, at
the swim beach.
—On September 22 Steve Rash reports a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at the swim
beach at Chatfield SP.
—On September 22 Crystal Wilson reports a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP at
Deer Creek Inlet into the lake. On September 23 Mary O’Connor reports the
Black Phoebe at Deer Creek inlet.
—On September 23 Scott Manwaring reports an Arctic Tern at Chatfield SP a
Plum Creek Delta.
—On September 24 Alison Hixon reported a Black Phoebe at Chatfield SP -
Original Heronry Overlook
—On September 24 Frank Farrell reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S
Platte River Delta
—On September 25 QP reported a Black Phoebe at the Swim Beach at Chatfield
SP
—On September 25 Brian Johnson, Cynthia Kristenson, Karen Drozda & Chuck
Aid reported a Red Phalarope at Chatfield SP - S Platte River Delta (See
Brian Johnson's Cobird Post for more information)
*KIOWA COUNTY:*
—On September 19 Steve Mlodinow reports POMARINE JAEGER, LAUGHING GULL,
Common Tern, and Cassin’s Kingbird at Neenoshe Reservoir.
—On September 20 Jane Stulp reports a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Upper/Queens/Neeskah Res.
—On September 20 Steve Mlodinow reports a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Neenoshe Res., and the continuing LAUGHING GULL. On September 21 Jane
Stulp re-found the LAUGHING GULL at Neenoshe Res.
*KIT CARSON COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reports a Broad-winged Hawk at Flagler
Reservoir State Wildlife area.
*LARIMER COUNTY:*
—On September 19 John Shenot reports the Nashville Warbler at the north end
of Dixon Res. It was seen from the dam at the north end.
—On September 21 Nick Komar reports a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boyd Lake.
—On September 21 Cliff Hendrick reports a Lesser Black-backed Gull at
Arapahoe Bend Natural Area.
—On September 21 Joe Mammoser reports a Sabine’s Gull at Rigden Res., also
know as Strauss Cabin Lake, east of Fort Collins. It was frequenting the
north and west sides of the res.
—On September 23 Kathy Mihm Dunning reports a Red Phalarope at Timnath
Reservoir.
—On September 24 Brandon Nooner, Nick Komar, Mike McCloy, Danny Montalvo,
Austin Hess & David Wade reported a Black-throated Green Warbler at Rigden
Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) David Leatherman reported the BTGW as well.
—On September 24 Nick Komar & Brandon Nooner reported a MEW GULL at
Horeshoe Reservoir
—On September 24 Derek Hill and David Leatherman reported Sabine's Gull
(1st Year) at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 24 Nick Komar reported an Eastern Phoebe at River Bluffs
Natural Area
—On September 25 Christine Sparks reported a Black-throated Green Warbler
at Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)
—On September 25 David Leatherman reported a Blackburnian Warbler along the
Poudre north of Prospect Road. See his post in Cobirds for more info.
*LOGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 20 Steve Larson reports a Short-billed Dowitcher at Jumbo
Reservoir.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Black-bellied Plover
*MONTROSE COUNTY: *
—On September 24 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Black Phoebe at
Cooper's Ditch near Nucla
—On September 25 Brenda Wright & Coen Dexter reported a Black Phoebe at the
Rose Garden near Nucla
—On September 26 Coen Dexter & Brenda Wright reported a Broad-winged Hawk
and a Black Phoebe at Silver Hawk Ranch
*MORGAN COUNTY:*
—On September 21 David Dowell reported a Red Phalarope at Jackson Reservoir
*OURAY COUNTY: *
—On September 20 Kent Nelson reported a 1st y Common Tern at Ridgway Res.
This may be a first county record for this species. Another birder also
agreed with Kent’s report and got photos of the tern. On September 23 Kent
Nelson reports the Common Tern is still at Ridgway Res.
*PHILLIPS COUNTY*
—On September 24 David Dowell reported an Eastern Phoebe at Holyoke Cemetery
*PUEBLO COUNTY:*
—On September 20 Brandon Percival reported a Blackpoll Warbler south of the
Fish Hatchery Building, at Lake Pueblo SP. The bird was high in cottonwood
trees along with a couple of Wilson’s Warblers.
—On September 21 Brandon Pervical reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull near
the pool below Pueblo Res. Dam.
—On September 22 Brandon Percival reported a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and a
Yellow-throated Warbler at Cottonwood Picnic area parking lot below Pueblo
Res. Dam. Photos were obtained.
—On September 24 Brandon Percival and David Chartier reported a
Yellow-throated Warbler and 3 Black Phoebes at lake Pueblo SP - Rock
Canyon/Valco Ponds Area
*ROUTT COUNTY:*
—On September 20 Tom Hall reported an ad Trumpeter Swan at the inlet pond
on the right of the turn to Stagecoach at Stagecoach Res.
*WASHINGTON COUNTY:*
—On September 19 at Prewitt Reservoir, Scott Somershoe reported the
Buff-breasted Sandpiper was there this morning, along with Black-bellied
Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpipers, Sanderlings in all plumages
except breeding. A Sabine’s Gull also flew by while he was there. On
September 21 Matt Clark reports seeing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at
Prewitt Res. On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports seeing the Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Prewitt Res.
—On September 24 Cheri Phillips reported a Snowy Plover at Prewitt Reservoir
—On September 25 Shawn Ashbaugh reported 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper at 80720,
Akron US-CO(40.4118,-103.3849)
*WELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Gene Rutherford reports 2 American Golden-Plover at Water
Treatment Plant at Weld Co. Rds. 62.5 and 51.
*YUMA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 David Dowell reports a Broad-winged Hawk near Hwy 59 south
of Yuma.
*Denver Field Ornithologists Field Trips: *
*Barr Lake Today *Wednesday September 27 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Chuck
Hundertmark & Paul Slingsby (chundertmark8ATgmail.com
<chundertmark8...> or 303-604-0531 <(303)%20604-0531>,
paslingsbyATcomcast.net <paslingsby...> or 303-422-3728
<(303)%20422-3728>) Trail difficulty: Easy
Directions: Meet at the Barr Lake SP Visitor Center. State Parks pass or
day pass required. From Denver, take east I-76 to Bromley Lane, exit 22. Go
east on Bromley Lane to Piccadilly Rd, then turn south for ~2 miles to park
entrance and follow road to Visitor Center.
About the Trip: Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. Beginners are
welcome. We will be looking for new species for the Big Month list.
Register online or contact leader
*Ken Caryl Valley Area* *Today *Wednesday, September 27 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM
David Suddjian (Email: dsuddjianATgmail.com Phone: 831-713-8659) Trail
Difficulty: Moderate Maximum Participants: 8
Directions: Meet at the northern (main) parking lot for South Valley Park
along South Valley Road just east of Valley Parkway. We will carpool to
another site from there.
Details: We will visit a few areas in search of a variety of birds at
private Ken Caryl Ranch. Plan for up to 3-5 miles of mostly easy terrain,
with some uphill, possible rocky trails and single track. Bring light
hiking shoes, water and snacks. Register online or contact leader.
*This trip is full, and there is one person on the waiting list*
*Denver City Park*, September 30, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Patrick O'Driscoll
(email patodriskATgmail.com Phone: 303-885-6955,) Trail difficulty: Easy,
Maximum participants: 14.
Directions:Meet at parking strip on north side of Ferril Lake. Enter park
from Colorado Blvd. Northbound turns left onto 22nd Ave. past Museum of
Nature & Science; southbound turns right onto 22nd at police station. Go
past museum parking until road curves toward zoo. Take immediate left at
"To Pavilion Bandstand" sign and go 300 yards down to corner with tall
spruce trees, where lake comes into view. Park diagonally on left beneath
spruces.
We'll check on the cormorant and egret colonies but focus on early autumn
migrants. The last day of September (and our DFO Big Month) is on the cusp
for returning waterfowl and winter residents, migrant warblers and other
southbounders. We'll walk 2-3 miles, from Ferrill Lake to the "pinetum"
below the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and back west to Duck Lake
and productive old groves on the park's west side. Dress for the weather
and bring water and snacks. Register online or contact leader.
*8 people have registered for this trip. There are 6 spaces available.*
*First Creek at RM Arsena*l October 1, 7:00 AM - 12: PM, John Breitsch
(jbreitschAThotmail.com or 303-588-0552), Trail difficulty: Easy, Maximum
participants: 15.
Directions: From East Denver take 56th Ave east toward Pena Blvd. First
Creek parking lot is just before Pena on your left (north). Or take I-70
east to Pena Blvd. Drive north to 56th Ave Exit. Turn left at the light and
at the bottom of the off ramp, pass under the highway and turn right,
almost immediately, into the First Creek parking lot.
We will start at the same parking lot as 1st Creek @ DOS. We will walk up
Buckley Road, then we turn west at the creek instead of east. The trail
should be finished all the way out to the concrete bunker that can be used
as a viewing blind. We'll hope to see some late migrants and a few resident
species. Until recently, this was a part of the RM Arsenal that was
inaccessible. It should make for great raptor viewing over the winter
months. There currently are no restroom facilities.
*There are 8 people registered for this trip. There are 7 spaces left*
*For more information on the field trips go to* dfobirds.org.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 6:41:09 PM UTC-6, Jay Hutchins wrote:
>
> All:
>
> First post here, wanted to share an incredible sight I’ve be watching for
> two years now at Jim Hamm Nature Area. Last fall I was out there in the
> evening and witnessed huge numbers of YHBL, RWBL and EUST gathering in the
> evening to roost. Got over there the next morning and witnessed
> approximately 10,000+ birds depart for the day en masse. I’m guessing on
> the counts, but it is easily 10k birds, probably more. And the sound they
> make! Pretty cool to witness. And like last year, one morning in late
> September they had all left for warmer climes down south, so I don’t know
> how much longer they will stick around.
>
> Anyways, I was out there again this foggy Tuesday morning and got some
> video to share as I know I will get flagged on ebird for a high count. I
> was able to take some screen shots off the camera so you can get a sense of
> how many birds there are. **Warning!!** It was extremely foggy this
> morning, so the picture quality is poor. Please keep in mind that the
> departure took over 8 minutes for them to leave and the camera is only
> covering a very small section of sky. Trust me, there are a bazillion
> birds there!
>
> I’ll be out there tomorrow (Wed, 9/27) at about 6:30 am, the show started
> today around 6:45 and lasted until about 7:15. Evening is pretty cool to
> watch them come in, but they dribble in over the course of an hour or so,
> mornings are the best as they all leave together.
>
> Question: How does one really guesstimate these numbers? Would love to
> hear any suggestions.
>
> Jay Hutchins
>
>
Date: 9/26/17 5:41 pm From: Jay Hutchins <jay1125...> Subject: [cobirds] JIm Hamm Nature Area (Longmont) Huge numbers of Blackbirds
All:
First post here, wanted to share an incredible sight I’ve be watching for
two years now at Jim Hamm Nature Area. Last fall I was out there in the
evening and witnessed huge numbers of YHBL, RWBL and EUST gathering in the
evening to roost. Got over there the next morning and witnessed
approximately 10,000+ birds depart for the day en masse. I’m guessing on
the counts, but it is easily 10k birds, probably more. And the sound they
make! Pretty cool to witness. And like last year, one morning in late
September they had all left for warmer climes down south, so I don’t know
how much longer they will stick around.
Anyways, I was out there again this foggy Tuesday morning and got some
video to share as I know I will get flagged on ebird for a high count. I
was able to take some screen shots off the camera so you can get a sense of
how many birds there are. **Warning!!** It was extremely foggy this
morning, so the picture quality is poor. Please keep in mind that the
departure took over 8 minutes for them to leave and the camera is only
covering a very small section of sky. Trust me, there are a bazillion
birds there!
I’ll be out there tomorrow (Wed, 9/27) at about 6:30 am, the show started
today around 6:45 and lasted until about 7:15. Evening is pretty cool to
watch them come in, but they dribble in over the course of an hour or so,
mornings are the best as they all leave together.
Question: How does one really guesstimate these numbers? Would love to
hear any suggestions.
I have had an invasion of robins this cool, wet weather. Today I had one with lots of white feathers...? First I have ever seen, I looked it up and they don't seem to be commonplace.
Date: 9/26/17 5:41 pm From: Jay Hutchins <jay1125...> Subject: [cobirds] 10,000+ Blackbirds at Jim Hamm Nature Area (Longmont)
All:
Fist post here, wanted to share an incredible sight I’ve be watching for two years now at Jim Hamm Nature Area. Last fall I was out there in the evening and witnessed huge numbers of YHBL, RWBL and EUST gathering in the evening to roost. Got over there the next morning and witnessed approximately 10,000+ birds depart for the day en masse. I’m guessing on the counts, but it is easily 10k birds, probably more. And the sound they make! Pretty cool to witness. And like last year, one morning in late September they had all left for warmer climes down south, so I don’t know how much longer they will stick around.
Anyways, I was out there again this foggy Tuesday morning and got some video to share as I know I will get flagged on ebird for a high count. My camera (Panasonic DMC-FZ1000) shoots in 4K with a .MP4 extension, and they are large file sizes, 1-2Gb. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can post either here on CObirds or to eBird? It won’t recognize the file type and it’s too large. Please message me at <jay1125...> <mailto:<jay1125...> if you have some tips!
I’ll be out there tomorrow (Wed, 9/27) at about 6:30 am, the show started today around 6:45 and lasted until about 7:15.
After 2 days off and a late start this morning due to weather, it was a surprisingly nice day - cool but no wind and the sun sort of came out to make things more comfortable! 38 new birds and a good variety of species. Exciting bird of the day was a Fox Sparrow - only the 5th in the 30 years of the station. BIG! Here's the breakdown:
Come visit! We are open 6 days per week (*CLOSED Mondays*), weather permitting, through October 15. We are opening nets at 6:30 and should have birds back at the station before 7:30. We will close most days by about 11:30. School groups arrive most weekdays at about 9:30.
Meredith McBurney Bander Barr Lake Station Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Date: 9/26/17 1:09 pm From: 'Allison Hilf' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Sandhill Cranes; Adams County; City of Aurora
I've had 2 flocks of Sandhill Cranes flying over University of Colorado Hospital and heading SW recently during lunchtime outdoors (Between 12:15 and 1:20)
Date: 9/26/17 12:42 pm From: Brian Johnson <buntingrobinjay...> Subject: [cobirds] Red Phalarop continues at Chatfield
Wanted to give a update to the Red Phalarope that was found yesterday (I don't know who found it but thank you for finding and reporting it) at Chatfield's Delta is still present. I found it this morning after 10. It was working the shore along the Platte river as it flows into the reservoir. The bird was working it's way out into the reservoir on the Jefferson side of the river, the west bank. There also was a Sanderling nearby. From the Kingfisher lot I walked along the road one the concert trail and followed the many trails in that area to the river and followed it until I ran out of land and soon found the Phalarop after looking over every single Killdeer out there (there's a lot of them out there also). Here is my checklist, soon to have a photo, http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39405340
Date: 9/26/17 11:54 am From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] Dickcissel, CSR, El Paso Co, Tuesday
Hey COBirders,
It was cool, gloomy, wet, drizzly, and breezy today… in other words - PERFECT conditions for banding at Clear Spring Ranch! I had a good start at opening, then a big wave of migrants arrived about 8:30-9:00.
73 birds today - 45 of those Chipping Sparrows, but also many warblers - Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, Myrtle YR, a RC Kinglet, and a good assortment of other sparrows. But the highlight today was an adult male Dickcissel, FOS, and only my second ever at CSR (8/2016). Very cool bird in the hand.
It was pretty dark for photos, and the birds wasn’t very cooperative, but I have a few if anybody is interested.
Date: 9/26/17 4:49 am From: Tom Behnfield <behnfield...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert Tuesday September 26, 2017
Compiler: Tom Behnfield
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: September 26, 2017
This is the Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, September 26, sponsored by Denver
Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species)
NOTE: The RBA is now using the new AOU checklist and the order of families
has changes.
*ADAMS COUNTY:*
—On September 18 Jesse Casias reported an American Golden-Plover at Barr
Lake SP along the Neidrach Nature Trail & visitor center area.
—On September 19 the American Golden-Plover was seen again at Barr Lake SP
by David Dowell. On September 20 the American Golden-Plover was seen at
Barr Lake SP.
—On September 21 Scott Somershoe reports the Dunlin at Barr Lake SP, he was
walking on the Neidrach Nature Trail & Visitor Center.
—On September 22 Kathy Mihm Dunning reports an Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake
SP.
—On September 23 John Haycraft reports Eastern Phoebe at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 23 Ben Lagasse reports a Dunlin and a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at Barr Lake SP.
—On September 24 Susan Rosine reported an American Golden Plover on the
Neidrach Nature Trail
*BACA COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Rebecca Laroche reports an Olive-sided Flycatcher at
Picture Canyon.
*BOULDER COUNTY*:
—On September 23 Ted Floyd reports a Black-bellied Plover at Lagerman
Reservoir.
—On September 22 Scott Severs reports a Broad-winged Hawk near 4949 Pearl E
Circle in Boulder.
*BROOMFIELD COUNTY:*
—On September 23 Matt Hofeditz reported a Solitary Sandpiper at Quail Creek
Park.
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