Date: 7/13/20 7:53 am From: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Black Witch/Larimer
I should add masks required.
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 13, 2020, at 8:45 AM, Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> wrote:
I have a Black Witch at my house if anyone wants to see it. Come to the front door. 1721 Cottonwood Pt. Dr. Ft. Collins 80523
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
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Date: 7/13/20 7:45 am From: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> Subject: [cobirds] Black Witch/Larimer
I have a Black Witch at my house if anyone wants to see it. Come to the front door. 1721 Cottonwood Pt. Dr. Ft. Collins 80523
Sent from my iPhone www.rkhphotography.net Rachel Kolokoff Hopper Ft. Collins
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Date: 7/13/20 6:35 am From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] All of a Sudden ... Dickcissel/Weld
Hi all
While out and about birding over weekend a total of five Dickcissel. Along Weld CR 48 (Latham marsh) at east end I had three calling, two on telephone wire, one in field on south calling. I drove by the first one hearing a bit of the song thinking "oh, starling ..." then I heard the second one in full-took a photo. Went back to second bird who turned out to be second Dickcissel on a wire. Lesson here ... be present in your birding lol.
Also, at Weld CR 74/61 ponds (Galeton) had one on wire and one in field calling. The common theme for all five were a large field of Alfalfa (assumed) being present.
Had a Red-breasted Nuthatch at Crow Valley and half dozen Greater Yellowlegs at Loloff Reservoir.
Dickcissel photos at URL below. Have a video, post this afternoon.
Date: 7/13/20 6:31 am From: Mike Hensley <mikedh1980...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Access to State wildlife areas
I actually think a watchers license that parallels the hunting/fishing license and whose cost contributes to the maintenance of SWA's is a great idea. It simultaneously broadens the base of people who are financially contributing AND provides a way to measure the number of people who are using SWA's for non-hunting/fishing purposes. Have any conservation organizations (Audubon?) proposed this change to state lawmakers?
On Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:39:16 AM UTC-6, Polly Reetz wrote: > > Lots of discussion going on about the change in policy by Colorado Parks > and Wildlife (CPW) about accessing State Wildlife Areas. While buying a > fishing license, especially a senior license, is not a big financial burden > for many birders, there is a general feeling, at least among the Audubon > folks I've talked to, that we want to be counted as wildlife watchers, not > fishermen or hunters, so that CPW is more aware of this audience and > listens to us on other policy issues. > > No one has yet come up with a method to do this that doesn't result > in a reduction in Colorado's federal Wildlife Aid in Restoration grants > which come from the excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment (although > we could argue that a lot of that money in fact does NOT come from hunters > - you pay it if you buy a handgun too). The Parks and Wildlife > Commission is still discussing this question - it is on their agenda for > Thursday morning, July 17 at 9:25 am. You can listen in from the CPW > website (About Us - Commission - Meetings). And offer comments by email > before the meeting. > > Suggestions have been: a wildlife watchers license, a maintenance fee > dedicated to SWAs, a checkoff on the fishing or hunting license application > for wildlife watchers/photographers so CPW can take count of us.... your > ideas?? Send them to the Commission. Some of this would take legislative > action. > > Polly Reetz > Denver Audubon COnservation Committee chairperson > >
Date: 7/12/20 5:54 pm From: plarimer <preston.larimer...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Access to State wildlife areas
I see a lot of misconceptions about the new requirement that all users of
State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands needing a hunting and fishing
license. First let me say that I am an avid birder, but I am also a hunter
and a fisherman. I am also full time fly fishing guide on the Arkansas
River, and a senior, so I do get a discount now on some of the licenses
that I buy each year.
State Wildlife Areas (SWA’s) are primarily set up for hunting and fishing.
They are all different. Where State Parks are pretty much all created
equal, SWA’s and certainly State Trust Lands are not. While some SWA’s
are on publicly owned lands, many are on private land that CPW pays the
landowner for allowing access via easements. Some of those easements are
permanent, going with the land upon sale, others are not, and need to be
renewed. Both landowners and the state can put restrictions on the allowed
uses of the SWA, such as fishing only, or youth hunting only, or no big
game hunting, or no hunting. Before visiting one, you should always check
the current year edition of the State Recreational Lands Atlas, free where
you buy licenses or at a CPW Office, and make sure that your intended use
is allowed.
The money for paying for easements, or maintaining these lands comes from
license sales and the Habitat Stamp, not from the state budget. In the
case of State Trust lands (School lands), CPW pays the State Lands Board
for access. Many State Trust Lands are leased by private companies, such
as oil and gas, and are not open to the public. The money paid to the
State Lands Board goes back to schools.
There is one other aspect of the license purchase is often misinterpreted
by the public. The Search and Rescue fee is NOT an insurance policy for
you in case you need to be rescued by a SAR team. It is simply a donation
to SAR to help them buy new equipment and train volunteers. As a volunteer
group SAR has no other funds except for donations. If you need a rescue,
especially if you need to be extracted by helicopter, you will pay a very
hefty fee. I carry a separate private company policy for my wife and I in
case we need a rescue for ourselves or our vehicle from the backcountry.
Finally, I also purchase a Federal Duck Stamp on my license. This is from
the US Fish and Wildlife service and goes to maintaining and establishing
National Wildlife Refuges. A few years ago, the USF&WS asked birders to
buy a Duck Stamp to support refuges and migratory waterfowl. Few birders
did this, although every waterfowl hunter in the country is required to
purchase one each year. In Colorado, waterfowl hunters must also purchase
a state duck stamp. A waterfowl hunter in Colorado must carry a state small
game hunting license, a Habitat Stamp, a Colorado Duck Stamp, and a
Federal Duck Stamp.
This shows how much hunters contribute to the protection of wildlife. With
National Refuges, SWA’s, State Trust Lands, and private landowner easements,
Hunters and fishermen have carried the financial burden for these areas for
years, even though many non-hunters and non-fisherpeople use them
extensively. I really feel it is time for all users of these areas to
contribute a fair share.
On Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:39:16 AM UTC-6, Polly Reetz wrote:
>
> Lots of discussion going on about the change in policy by Colorado Parks
> and Wildlife (CPW) about accessing State Wildlife Areas. While buying a
> fishing license, especially a senior license, is not a big financial burden
> for many birders, there is a general feeling, at least among the Audubon
> folks I've talked to, that we want to be counted as wildlife watchers, not
> fishermen or hunters, so that CPW is more aware of this audience and
> listens to us on other policy issues.
>
> No one has yet come up with a method to do this that doesn't result
> in a reduction in Colorado's federal Wildlife Aid in Restoration grants
> which come from the excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment (although
> we could argue that a lot of that money in fact does NOT come from hunters
> - you pay it if you buy a handgun too). The Parks and Wildlife
> Commission is still discussing this question - it is on their agenda for
> Thursday morning, July 17 at 9:25 am. You can listen in from the CPW
> website (About Us - Commission - Meetings). And offer comments by email
> before the meeting.
>
> Suggestions have been: a wildlife watchers license, a maintenance fee
> dedicated to SWAs, a checkoff on the fishing or hunting license application
> for wildlife watchers/photographers so CPW can take count of us.... your
> ideas?? Send them to the Commission. Some of this would take legislative
> action.
>
> Polly Reetz
> Denver Audubon COnservation Committee chairperson
>
>
Date: 7/12/20 3:40 pm From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cattle Egret at the Arsenal again
I watched this handsome bird there on July 2, appearing to harass a pair of American Avocets, one of which had been sitting in thick green growth on the edge of the pond/playa -- as if nesting or, perhaps, guarding young? The egret spent several minutes poking around intently in that vegetation. The sitting avocet had fled perhaps 50 yards north up the shore. Its mate stood closer, perhaps 10 yards from the egret, apparently alarmed and calling at it. I did not see the egret come up with any avocet chicks or eggs, but when I asked other better birders later about its behavior, they said Cattle Egrets are opportunistic foragers known for going after avian young. I had thought of them primarily as bug-eaters until I looked up photos on Cornell's "Birds of the World" entry for the species. Sure enough, they show Cattle Egrets eating scorpions, geckos, toads, a Barn Swallow, even an Anna's Hummingbird.
I think I saw this same bird several days earlier (June 29) near sunset. It was following a small herd of the refuge's bison out of the livestock gate at 72nd Avenue and Yosemite Street. For anyone unfamiliar, that's the opening in the bison fence at the northwest corner of what was once the Arsenal's short, "loop" route -- the original "Wildlife Drive" before the miles-long route farther north and east was opened 3 years or so ago. You could drive up Havana past Lakes Ladora/Mary, turn west on 72nd down the long avenue of trees with magpie nests, and then turn south again at that livestock gate and go down now-closed Yosemite and back to the visitor center. Anyway, the egret perched atop one of the stout gateposts there as the bison moved across the road to graze south of 72nd. Then it flew, circling before heading south and, I'm guessing, back to what appears to be its favorite pond.
Good birding!
Patrick O'Driscoll Denver
On Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 3:04 PM Ray, Graham <Graham.Ray...> wrote:
Date: 7/12/20 2:04 pm From: Ray, Graham <Graham.Ray...> Subject: [cobirds] Cattle Egret at the Arsenal again
Hey folks- if you missed it before the Cattle Egret is back at the Arsenal at the tiny pond on the left as you walk out to Havana Pond. It is still in its colorful breeding plumage. Graham Ray Denver
Date: 7/12/20 6:32 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] E Boulder Trail meadowlarks gone
The hay fields along East Boulder Trail have been mown. No Dickcissel, Bobolink or Eastern Meadowlark. Chuck Hundertmark Lafayette
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 7/12/20 5:27 am From: David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Black witch, rufous hummingbird, Douglas County
My neighborhood social medium (Nextdoor) had 4 reports of Black Witch last week. It's a perhaps 6 or 8 square mile area east of Golden and west of Denver. Also, many reports of Blinded Sphinx and a couple of Achemon Sphinx.
On Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10:04:10 PM UTC-6, John Ealy wrote: > > I saw a *black witch moth* around 11 am today but couldn't photograph it > because it was flying -- or rather floating. > Then, at 8:15 pm, I saw it flying again, not 20 feet from the earlier > sighting in my backyard. This time, it landed long enough on a branch for > me to get a pic. It was about 5 inches across. > It was a first for me. > And speaking of firsts, we had our first confirmed *rufous hummingbird* > of the year this evening at our feeders. > > [image: black witch.jpg] > > > > John Ealy > Roxborough Park, Douglas County, CO > > Sent from ProtonMail mobile > >
Date: 7/11/20 10:57 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
I also have a Cordilleran hanging around our house this year and it's been around for about a month. It may be nesting but I don't know where. Ira Sanders Golden
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 6:04 PM MARK CHAVEZ <markchavez...> wrote:
> It's funny to see this post!! Currently, I have a Cordilleran Flycatcher > nesting in my yard in west Lakewood.This is pretty rare occurrence for > suburbia away from the foothills. It is nesting in a fake Barn Swallow(the > nest is to attract swallows) nest put under the eve of my house about 5 > years ago. She is about on day 10 of the incubation of the eggs.The male > comes by periodically to check on the female. Pretty cool!! See the > attachments below: > > Mark Chavez > Lakewood-Green Mtn > http://jaeger29.smugmug.com/ > > On 07/11/2020 4:58 PM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote: > > > Adrian, > Very cool. Thanks for posting. > > Below is a pic of a male Canyon Wren arriving at its nest inside an old > Cliff Swallow pot while swallows actively refurbishing the old hood look > on. This happened a few years back at Lory State Park w of FtCollins. > > > > I wonder if these birds making use of old swallow nests are affected by > swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites related to the human bed bug, and > which reside in swallow nests. Their accumulating numbers are part of the > reason swallows often build new nests before each breeding season. > > Dave Leatherman > Fort Collins > > > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of > Adrian Lakin (<adrianlakin1...>) <adrianlakin1...> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 8, 2020 2:00 PM > *To:* Colorado Birds <cobirds...> > *Subject:* [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, > Boulder county > > I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons > with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual > nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff > Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or > other strange nest locations? > > [image: IMG_4457_1.jpg] > > > Adrian Lakin, > > Mead, 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 view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<81f58573-c441-45df-b715-d5d90524aca5o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<81f58573-c441-45df-b715-d5d90524aca5o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CY4PR0601MB3763058CC9CD9AB75B7B87FFC1620...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CY4PR0601MB3763058CC9CD9AB75B7B87FFC1620...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1750868693.49368.1594512251664...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1750868693.49368.1594512251664...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
-- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
Date: 7/11/20 9:04 pm From: John Ealy <jrealy...> Subject: [cobirds] Black witch, rufous hummingbird, Douglas County
I saw a *black witch moth* around 11 am today but couldn't photograph it because it was flying -- or rather floating. Then, at 8:15 pm, I saw it flying again, not 20 feet from the earlier sighting in my backyard. This time, it landed long enough on a branch for me to get a pic. It was about 5 inches across. It was a first for me. And speaking of firsts, we had our first confirmed *rufous hummingbird* of the year this evening at our feeders.
Date: 7/11/20 6:34 pm From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
There goes the neighborhood!!!
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...>
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2020 6:03 PM
To: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...>
Cc: <adrianlakin1...> <adrianlakin1...>; Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
I have a similar photo of a House Wren occupying a Cliff Swallow nest I took at DeWeese Reservoir back during the Salida CFO convention. It was singing very loudly and incessantly as they are wont to do and I imagined the neighbors being a bit miffed.
Diana Beatty
El Paso County
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 4:58 PM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...><mailto:<daleatherman...>> wrote:
Adrian,
Very cool. Thanks for posting.
Below is a pic of a male Canyon Wren arriving at its nest inside an old Cliff Swallow pot while swallows actively refurbishing the old hood look on. This happened a few years back at Lory State Park w of FtCollins.
[cid:173401c8b7ea67b6f912]
I wonder if these birds making use of old swallow nests are affected by swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites related to the human bed bug, and which reside in swallow nests. Their accumulating numbers are part of the reason swallows often build new nests before each breeding season.
I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or other strange nest locations?
Date: 7/11/20 5:36 pm From: Adrian Lakin <adrianlakin1...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
Dave,
Here's a photo of a Canyon Wren in the same approximate location from August 30th last year where the wren was going between empty swallow nests presumably looking for bugs. Maybe the Canyon Wren clears out the bed bugs so the Cordilleran isn't bothered by them? It would be interesting to have seen what the Canyon Wren was catching.
[image: IMG_4608.JPG]
Adrian Lakin,
Mead, CO
On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 2:00:59 PM UTC-6, Adrian Lakin wrote: > > I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons > with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual > nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff > Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or > other strange nest locations? > > [image: IMG_4457_1.jpg] > > > Adrian Lakin, > > Mead, CO > >
Date: 7/11/20 5:04 pm From: MARK CHAVEZ <markchavez...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
It's funny to see this post!! Currently, I have a Cordilleran Flycatcher nesting in my yard in west Lakewood.This is pretty rare occurrence for suburbia away from the foothills. It is nesting in a fake Barn Swallow(the nest is to attract swallows) nest put under the eve of my house about 5 years ago. She is about on day 10 of the incubation of the eggs.The male comes by periodically to check on the female. Pretty cool!! See the attachments below:
> On 07/11/2020 4:58 PM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote:
>
>
> Adrian,
> Very cool. Thanks for posting.
>
> Below is a pic of a male Canyon Wren arriving at its nest inside an old Cliff Swallow pot while swallows actively refurbishing the old hood look on. This happened a few years back at Lory State Park w of FtCollins.
>
>
>
> I wonder if these birds making use of old swallow nests are affected by swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites related to the human bed bug, and which reside in swallow nests. Their accumulating numbers are part of the reason swallows often build new nests before each breeding season.
>
> Dave Leatherman
> Fort Collins
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Adrian Lakin (<adrianlakin1...>) <adrianlakin1...>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 2:00 PM
> To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
> Subject: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
>
> I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or other strange nest locations?
>
>
> [IMG_4457_1.jpg]
>
>
> Adrian Lakin,
>
> Mead, CO
>
>
>
> --
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...> .
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>
>
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>
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I have a similar photo of a House Wren occupying a Cliff Swallow nest I took at DeWeese Reservoir back during the Salida CFO convention. It was singing very loudly and incessantly as they are wont to do and I imagined the neighbors being a bit miffed.
Diana Beatty El Paso County
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 4:58 PM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> wrote:
> Adrian, > Very cool. Thanks for posting. > > Below is a pic of a male Canyon Wren arriving at its nest inside an old > Cliff Swallow pot while swallows actively refurbishing the old hood look > on. This happened a few years back at Lory State Park w of FtCollins. > > > > I wonder if these birds making use of old swallow nests are affected by > swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites related to the human bed bug, and > which reside in swallow nests. Their accumulating numbers are part of the > reason swallows often build new nests before each breeding season. > > Dave Leatherman > Fort Collins > > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of > Adrian Lakin (<adrianlakin1...>) <adrianlakin1...> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 8, 2020 2:00 PM > *To:* Colorado Birds <cobirds...> > *Subject:* [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, > Boulder county > > I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons > with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual > nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff > Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or > other strange nest locations? > > [image: IMG_4457_1.jpg] > > > Adrian Lakin, > > Mead, 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 view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<81f58573-c441-45df-b715-d5d90524aca5o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<81f58573-c441-45df-b715-d5d90524aca5o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CY4PR0601MB3763058CC9CD9AB75B7B87FFC1620...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CY4PR0601MB3763058CC9CD9AB75B7B87FFC1620...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
--
******
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.
Date: 7/11/20 3:58 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
Adrian,
Very cool. Thanks for posting.
Below is a pic of a male Canyon Wren arriving at its nest inside an old Cliff Swallow pot while swallows actively refurbishing the old hood look on. This happened a few years back at Lory State Park w of FtCollins.
[cid:dc4daf3b-37e3-45da-849e-d7e63becf8f9]
I wonder if these birds making use of old swallow nests are affected by swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites related to the human bed bug, and which reside in swallow nests. Their accumulating numbers are part of the reason swallows often build new nests before each breeding season.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Adrian Lakin (<adrianlakin1...>) <adrianlakin1...>
Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 2:00 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Unusual Cordilleran Flycatcher nest location. Lyons, Boulder county
I was social distancing birding along Old South St. Vrain Road in Lyons with Rolf Hertenstein and Patrick Bohan this morning and we saw an unusual nest location for a Cordilleran Flycatcher. It was using an old Cliff Swallow nest. We've never seen this before. Anyone else witnessed this or other strange nest locations?
Date: 7/11/20 3:33 pm From: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
A common misconception among some anglers and hunters is that fishing and hunting licenses come with a free rescue from Colorado Search and Rescue in the event that one is needed. While it is true that a basic search and rescue operation is delivered at no charge, any operation requiring a helicopter or ambulance evacuation would incur charges from the operator, for which the victim is responsible.
The origin of the misconception is perhaps because 25 cents of the cost of hunting and fishing licenses goes into a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) fund, leading some to believe that this is a kind of insurance card. And while the CORSAR fund reimburses search and rescue volunteers for things like fuel or food used during a rescue operation, or for equipment that is damaged or needs replacing, the fund does not pay for ambulance or helicopter services. The rescued individual must cover those costs.
“Through CORSAR fund grants, search and rescue teams and sheriffs can purchase equipment or send team members to search and rescue training courses,” according to the SAR website. “The CORSAR card is not ‘insurance’ nor is ‘insurance’ needed. When Colorado’s SAR carry out a search and rescue mission, they won’t bill you but you may incur costs such as ground or air ambulance.”
Hikers and bikers who use the backcountry but do not buy hunting or fishing licenses have the option to purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card, known as the “CORSAR Card.”
Purchasing a CORSAR card is not necessary to receive search and rescue services. “But if a financially strapped county or SAR team accrues extraordinary costs over time, it may be difficult for them to properly respond to your emergency,” states the website.”
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 11, 2020, at 4:23 PM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
As soon as this policy was announced, I purchased my (senior) fishing license online. On the license it breaks down the cost (which at $9.85 is a bargain), and there is a small charge noted for Search and Rescue. So if you are of a certain age and purchase a senior pass, you have paid for the S&R function in the price of the license.
Norm Lewis
Lakewood
-----Original Message-----
From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
To: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...>
Cc: Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...>; <kevygudguy...>; cobirds <cobirds...>
Sent: Sat, Jul 11, 2020 1:44 pm
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
So, if you are over 65 and don't have a habitat stamp and search and rescue services comes to your aid, are you covered or do you have to reimburse for those services?
Ira Sanders
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:04 PM Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> wrote:
If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is automatically added to your purchase.
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
Pam Piombino
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
Birders,
Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
Ira Sanders
Golden
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
Hello Fellow Birders,
I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ).
Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
Keep Smilin',
Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
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Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
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Date: 7/11/20 3:24 pm From: W. Robert Shade III <wrshade3...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield is a zoo! (Jefferson/Douglas)
Today, Saturday the 11th, I thought I would check out the shorebirds reported at Chatfield SP. I knew it was not the best day or the best time (11:30 AM) but was not prepared for two lines of cars from the highway to the gate house even with two people working outside to sell admissions. Nor was I prepared for chock full parking lots from the swim beach all the way around to the Plum Creek area. Nor for thousands of half naked people swarming the whole reservoir (even paddle boards below the Herony Overlook; I thought that was out of bounds for boating) and every water edge including the Marina sandspit and near the Plum Creek Delta. We gave up and left to find the Black Phoebe at Wingate Park (did!) and found that all entrants were being turned away by 12:30. I hope this is a temporary anomaly caused by hot weather and COVID cabin fever or the birds will have no place to hide. The only good thing that can be said is that the State Parks system must have taken in tens of thousands of dollars in admission fees today.
Date: 7/11/20 3:23 pm From: 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
As soon as this policy was announced, I purchased my (senior) fishing license online. On the license it breaks down the cost (which at $9.85 is a bargain), and there is a small charge noted for Search and Rescue. So if you are of a certain age and purchase a senior pass, you have paid for the S&R function in the price of the license.
Norm LewisLakewood
-----Original Message-----
From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
To: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...>
Cc: Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...>; <kevygudguy...>; cobirds <cobirds...>
Sent: Sat, Jul 11, 2020 1:44 pm
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
So, if you are over 65 and don't have a habitat stamp and search and rescue services comes to your aid, are you covered or do you have to reimburse for those services?Ira Sanders
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:04 PM Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> wrote:
If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is automatically added to your purchase.
Sent from my iPhonewww.rkhphotography.netRachel Kolokoff HopperFt. Collins
On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
Pam Piombino
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
Birders,Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.Ira SandersGolden
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
Hello Fellow Birders,
I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ).
Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
Keep Smilin',Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Ira SandersGolden, CO"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."--
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Ira SandersGolden, CO"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."--
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Date: 7/11/20 3:20 pm From: Robert Canter <rlcanter50...> Subject: [cobirds] Late post: last sighting of American Dipper at Lowell Blvd. Adams county
Hi CoBirders, The last time I saw an immature American Dipper in Clear Creek at Lowell Blvd. was July 2, 2020. It must not have liked 90 degree temps. I thought some of you might like an update. Thank you, Bob Canter, Denver
Date: 7/11/20 12:54 pm From: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
I have never heard or read that the Habitat Stamp has anything to do with search & rescue. However, it is my understanding that some of the money from hunting/fishing licenses and the Habitat Stamp go to Colorado Search & Rescue as financial support. Here is information about Colorado Search & Rescue: https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Boating/SearchAndRescueFAQ.pdf
Habitat Stamp
The purchase of a Habitat Stamp ($10) provides the core funding for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHP). Anyone applying for, or buying a hunting and fishing license in the state of Colorado, must also purchase a Habitat Stamp. The Habitat Stamp provides the means for CPW to work with private landowners, local governments, and conservation organizations to protect important fish and wildlife habitat and provide outdoor spaces.
REASONS TO SUPPORT THE HABITAT STAMP
Since 2007, the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp has grown into one of our state’s most important conservation programs and has:
Conserved 253,000 acres of key wildlife habitat
Secured 121,500 acres of public access
Protected approximately 36 miles of fishing access
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 11, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
So, if you are over 65 and don't have a habitat stamp and search and rescue services comes to your aid, are you covered or do you have to reimburse for those services?
Ira Sanders
> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:04 PM Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> wrote:
> If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is automatically added to your purchase.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> www.rkhphotography.net
> Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
> Ft. Collins
>
> On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
>
>
> I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
>
> Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
>
> Pam Piombino
>
>> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
>> Birders,
>> Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden
>>
>>> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
>>> Hello Fellow Birders,
>>>
>>> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>>>
>>> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ).
>>>
>>> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
>>>
>>> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
>>>
>>> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
>>>
>>> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
>>>
>>> Keep Smilin',
>>> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>>>
>>> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...> >>
>>
>> --
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden, CO
>> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%<3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw...> >
>
> --
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAF2zbdufBuh2X3X%2BBw8Py1ZG%3Dic75tKof9k_AP5DQN8nix%<2BBrA...>
--
Ira Sanders
Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
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Date: 7/11/20 12:45 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
So, if you are over 65 and don't have a habitat stamp and search and rescue
services comes to your aid, are you covered or do you have to reimburse for
those services?
Ira Sanders
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:04 PM Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...>
wrote:
> If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting
> license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is
> automatically added to your purchase.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> www.rkhphotography.net
> Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
> Ft. Collins
>
> On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
>
>
> I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally
> enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at
> the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am
> surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always
> thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
>
> Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher
> rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those
> categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
>
> Pam Piombino
>
> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
> wrote:
>
>> Birders,
>> Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of
>> course birdwatch. She was *forced* to buy a habitat stamp at the
>> same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for
>> the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get
>> lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I
>> don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions
>> of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden
>>
>> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <
>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Fellow Birders,
>>>
>>> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for
>>> birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in
>>> response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not
>>> allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below
>>> what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>>>
>>> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for
>>> everyone 18 or older attempting to access any *State Wildlife Area or
>>> State Trust Land *leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July
>>> 1. This does not apply to *State Parks. (SWA FAQ)
>>> <https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/LandWater/SWA/License-Requirements-SWA-STL-Access-FAQ.pdf#search=swa%20faq>. *
>>>
>>> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is
>>> still required.
>>>
>>> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado
>>> Parks and Wildlife Commission.
>>> <https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7346> >>>
>>> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation
>>> (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks,
>>> SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most
>>> SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for
>>> Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have
>>> negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license
>>> requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties,
>>> not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in
>>> fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or
>>> fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these
>>> properties.
>>>
>>> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and
>>> concerns about SWA access.
>>>
>>> Keep Smilin',
>>> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>>>
>>> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden, CO
>> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
>> into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%<3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%<3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAF2zbdufBuh2X3X%2BBw8Py1ZG%3Dic75tKof9k_AP5DQN8nix%<2BBrA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAF2zbdufBuh2X3X%2BBw8Py1ZG%3Dic75tKof9k_AP5DQN8nix%<2BBrA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Ira Sanders
Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
Date: 7/11/20 12:04 pm From: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <r-hopper...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is automatically added to your purchase.
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
Pam Piombino
> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
> Birders,
> Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
> Ira Sanders
> Golden
>
>> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
>> Hello Fellow Birders,
>>
>> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>>
>> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ).
>>
>> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
>>
>> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
>>
>> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
>>
>> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
>>
>> Keep Smilin',
>> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>>
>> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...> >
>
> --
> Ira Sanders
> Golden, CO
> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
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Date: 7/11/20 11:23 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
> On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:07 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
>
> I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
>
> Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
>
> Pam Piombino
>
> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> <mailto:<zroadrunner14...>> wrote:
> Birders,
> Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
> Ira Sanders
> Golden
>
> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> <mailto:<cobirds...>> wrote:
> Hello Fellow Birders,
>
> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>
> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ) <https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/LandWater/SWA/License-Requirements-SWA-STL-Access-FAQ.pdf#search=swa%20faq>.
>
> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
>
> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. <https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7346> >
> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
>
> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
>
> Keep Smilin',
> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>
> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>
>
>
> --
> 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...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
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>
>
> --
> Ira Sanders
> Golden, CO
> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
>
> --
> 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...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
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>
>
> --
>
>
>
> --
> 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...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
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Date: 7/11/20 11:08 am From: Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally
enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at
the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am
surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always
thought it was optional; am I mistaken?
Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher
rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those
categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts.
Pam Piombino
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
wrote:
> Birders,
> Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of
> course birdwatch. She was *forced* to buy a habitat stamp at the
> same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for
> the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get
> lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I
> don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions
> of the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
> Ira Sanders
> Golden
>
> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
>> Hello Fellow Birders,
>>
>> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for
>> birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in
>> response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not
>> allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below
>> what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>>
>> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for
>> everyone 18 or older attempting to access any *State Wildlife Area or
>> State Trust Land *leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July
>> 1. This does not apply to *State Parks. (SWA FAQ)
>> <https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/LandWater/SWA/License-Requirements-SWA-STL-Access-FAQ.pdf#search=swa%20faq>. *
>>
>> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is
>> still required.
>>
>> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks
>> and Wildlife Commission.
>> <https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7346> >>
>> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation
>> (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks,
>> SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most
>> SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for
>> Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have
>> negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license
>> requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties,
>> not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in
>> fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or
>> fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these
>> properties.
>>
>> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and
>> concerns about SWA access.
>>
>> Keep Smilin',
>> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>>
>> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
> Ira Sanders
> Golden, CO
> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
> into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%<3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%<3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 7/11/20 10:54 am From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
Birders,
Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course
birdwatch. She was *forced* to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For
those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of
search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or
injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't
believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of
the issue that has been discussed in this thread.
Ira Sanders
Golden
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <
<cobirds...> wrote:
> Hello Fellow Birders,
>
> I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for
> birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in
> response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not
> allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below
> what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
>
> You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for
> everyone 18 or older attempting to access any *State Wildlife Area or
> State Trust Land *leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July
> 1. This does not apply to *State Parks. (SWA FAQ)
> <https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/LandWater/SWA/License-Requirements-SWA-STL-Access-FAQ.pdf#search=swa%20faq>. *
>
> Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is
> still required.
>
> The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks
> and Wildlife Commission.
> <https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7346> >
> SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation
> (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks,
> SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most
> SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for
> Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have
> negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license
> requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties,
> not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in
> fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or
> fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these
> properties.
>
> ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and
> concerns about SWA access.
>
> Keep Smilin',
> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
>
> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1946484537.10132.1594435619237...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Ira Sanders
Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
Date: 7/11/20 10:39 am From: Polly Reetz <pollybirdndance...> Subject: [cobirds] Access to State wildlife areas
Lots of discussion going on about the change in policy by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) about accessing State Wildlife Areas. While buying a fishing license, especially a senior license, is not a big financial burden for many birders, there is a general feeling, at least among the Audubon folks I've talked to, that we want to be counted as wildlife watchers, not fishermen or hunters, so that CPW is more aware of this audience and listens to us on other policy issues.
No one has yet come up with a method to do this that doesn't result in a reduction in Colorado's federal Wildlife Aid in Restoration grants which come from the excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment (although we could argue that a lot of that money in fact does NOT come from hunters - you pay it if you buy a handgun too). The Parks and Wildlife Commission is still discussing this question - it is on their agenda for Thursday morning, July 17 at 9:25 am. You can listen in from the CPW website (About Us - Commission - Meetings). And offer comments by email before the meeting.
Suggestions have been: a wildlife watchers license, a maintenance fee dedicated to SWAs, a checkoff on the fishing or hunting license application for wildlife watchers/photographers so CPW can take count of us.... your ideas?? Send them to the Commission. Some of this would take legislative action.
Date: 7/11/20 10:17 am From: Carl Bendorf <carlbendorf...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Odd bug
You might want to post in the Colorado Entomology Facebook group instead of
this group which is focused primarily on birds and birding in Colorado.
Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329511940749781/
Carl Bendorf
Longmont
On Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 8:15:15 AM UTC-6, cj thompson wrote:
>
> Hi, all. I’m new here, and I was hoping someone could help me out. It’s
> not going to be easy…
>
> I was at Bluff Lake Nature Center this morning and had a unique encounter.
> As I was walking down a side trail, an EXTREMELY loud bug starting making
> what I can only call a clicking sound. I’m a little embarrassed to admit
> that it scared the crap out of me. It was so loud that I was momentarily
> disoriented. Before I cold figure out what it was, it flew off. I barely
> got a look at it.
>
> I think (not even totally sure) that it had a katydid-type body. Since I
> didn’t see it on the ground, I don’t know what it’s primary coloration was,
> but in flight it appeared white, or maybe very light gray.
>
> I know this is not a lot to go on, so I don’t really expect an answer, but
> I’m really curious. I’m no bug expert (obviously), but I’ve lived in
> Colorado my entire life, and it’s not often that I come across something
> I’ve never seen (or heard) before.
>
> Thanks for any guesses!
Date: 7/11/20 7:15 am From: cj thompson <cjthmp...> Subject: [cobirds] Odd bug
Hi, all. I’m new here, and I was hoping someone could help me out. It’s not going to be easy…
I was at Bluff Lake Nature Center this morning and had a unique encounter. As I was walking down a side trail, an EXTREMELY loud bug starting making what I can only call a clicking sound. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that it scared the crap out of me. It was so loud that I was momentarily disoriented. Before I cold figure out what it was, it flew off. I barely got a look at it.
I think (not even totally sure) that it had a katydid-type body. Since I didn’t see it on the ground, I don’t know what it’s primary coloration was, but in flight it appeared white, or maybe very light gray.
I know this is not a lot to go on, so I don’t really expect an answer, but I’m really curious. I’m no bug expert (obviously), but I’ve lived in Colorado my entire life, and it’s not often that I come across something I’ve never seen (or heard) before.
Thanks for any guesses!
--
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Date: 7/10/20 7:47 pm From: kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas
Hello Fellow Birders,
I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply:
You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ).
Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required.
The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties.
...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access.
Keep Smilin',Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
--
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Date: 7/10/20 6:25 pm From: Dave Cameron <davednvr7...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
This raises a question about migration 'triggers,' so I'll ask it:
I've read in the past that what drives Northbound migrants to start migrating is not the weather, which is too variable, but the number of hours of daylight. That was asserted as the birds' sense of calendar, and it makes perfect sense.
BUT... if the summer solstice in the Arctic is when they are due to start their Southbound return, how on earth do they know when it is?
Date: 7/10/20 3:32 pm From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: [cobirds] The Wingate South Park (JeffCo) Black Phoebe has a FAMILY
For the past 15 minutes I’ve been watching either two adults and a
fledgling or an adult and two fledgling Black Phoebes (and maybe 2 adults
too) across Carr Street from the east end of the pond. I’d seen the pond
bird catching a few flies near 4 pm and the immediately flying east across
the road to a pine tree behind a cottonwood next to a red-roofed garage
directly across Carr.
There I found two perched phoebes, one with and the other without the
white breast, but they were obviously together (and no, it was not one of
the several Say’s Phoebes also at the park). The parent(s) would come and
go.
I’m assuming 2 young and 1-2 adults. I’ll check the photos later when I
file my list.
Date: 7/10/20 1:37 pm From: Scott Somershoe <ssomershoe...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
This is not fully comprehensive but it covers a lot. There's another place where a lot of tracking projects are collated but I can't remember what it is at the moment. It's Friday afternoon :) http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/
Scott Somershoe Littleton CO
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 2:29 PM 'The "Nunn Guy"' via Colorado Birds < <cobirds...> wrote:
> Hi Scott > > Know of an aggregator website that has all project maps of all tagged bird > species to view real-time various species locations? > > Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn > http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org > > https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland > > > On Friday, July 10, 2020 at 12:38:46 PM UTC-6, Scott Somershoe wrote: >> >> I'll just add a couple notes on these "early" shorebirds. They are right >> on time, like others have noted. The summer solstice is when southbound >> birds start arriving (yup, June 21 or so). There are always a few birds >> where you're not sure if they are going south or just didn't go to the >> arctic or what their direction/status is. Anyway, as a crazy example, I >> helped with the Georgia Breeding Bird Atlas in summer 2000 and had a >> Greater Yellowlegs on Cumberland Island about 24 June (can't find exact >> date at the moment, but it was just after the 22nd, which I >> distinctly remember for a couple reasons). >> >> Willets, Marbled Godwits, and other prairie breeders discussed in this >> thread definitely fail and bail (as I say), much like arctic breeders. >> When I run my BBS routes in the prairies of north central Montana usually >> between 7-13 June, I'll see groups of 60+ Marbled Godwits. They likely all >> had failed nests or didn't nest. I've still never seen a godwit chick, >> which is concerning since I see young of everything else when I'm >> stomping around the prairie for a week or more. I'm sure I've been near >> some as if you're anywhere near a nest or young, they circle and attack you >> constantly, sometimes following you for over a mile. This does provide some >> great photo opps though! >> >> In the case of Long-billed Curlews, several satellite tagged females from >> Idaho have been on their winter sites in southern Calif for nearly 3 >> weeks! A couple eastern WY breeders passed through CO already and are in >> far south Texas and in northern Mexico just south of Brownsville, TX. >> Another WY breeder is down in the southern end of the Chihuahuan desert in >> central Mexico! >> >> LB Curlew females bolt and leave the males with parental duty! Adult >> females get into little groups and head out together. However males arrive >> back on breeding grounds first. >> >> I've probably shared this page before, here's info on tagged curlews. >> This is a great organization and partnership. IBO has done a fantastic job >> on curlew work and outreach in Idaho where they had a lot of tagged curlews >> shot. >> https://www.curlewcrew.com/ >> >> Scott Somershoe >> Littleton CO >> Co-Author of *Birds of Tennessee: A New Annotated Checklist >> <http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Tennessee-New-Annotated-Checklist/dp/1507815751/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453317221&sr=8-3>* >> >> >> On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 9:32 AM Allison Hilf <allis......> wrote: >> >>> There have been some satellite tagged shorebirds heading south for a few >>> weeks. Just on schedule. As Joe mentioned, they are often birds that >>> failed to nest Because the time frame for nesting in much of their >>> preferred arctic habitat is very short, if a first nest fails the adults >>> often leave; sometimes they attempt a second brood and the female will stay >>> and try to raise the young on her own. Those males seem to take care of >>> themselves!! Just kidding, it is survival of the fittest out there in the >>> bird world despite sex. >>> >>> Allison Hilf >>> Aurora, CO >>> >>> On Jul 10, 2020, at 8:40 AM, Joe Roller <jrol......> wrote: >>> >>> . >>> >>> >>> -- >>> 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 <cob......> >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<437c3f9f-6c9b-416d-b77b-c47a46b90f7co...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<437c3f9f-6c9b-416d-b77b-c47a46b90f7co...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
On Friday, July 10, 2020 at 12:38:46 PM UTC-6, Scott Somershoe wrote: > > I'll just add a couple notes on these "early" shorebirds. They are right > on time, like others have noted. The summer solstice is when southbound > birds start arriving (yup, June 21 or so). There are always a few birds > where you're not sure if they are going south or just didn't go to the > arctic or what their direction/status is. Anyway, as a crazy example, I > helped with the Georgia Breeding Bird Atlas in summer 2000 and had a > Greater Yellowlegs on Cumberland Island about 24 June (can't find exact > date at the moment, but it was just after the 22nd, which I > distinctly remember for a couple reasons). > > Willets, Marbled Godwits, and other prairie breeders discussed in this > thread definitely fail and bail (as I say), much like arctic breeders. > When I run my BBS routes in the prairies of north central Montana usually > between 7-13 June, I'll see groups of 60+ Marbled Godwits. They likely all > had failed nests or didn't nest. I've still never seen a godwit chick, > which is concerning since I see young of everything else when I'm > stomping around the prairie for a week or more. I'm sure I've been near > some as if you're anywhere near a nest or young, they circle and attack you > constantly, sometimes following you for over a mile. This does provide some > great photo opps though! > > In the case of Long-billed Curlews, several satellite tagged females from > Idaho have been on their winter sites in southern Calif for nearly 3 > weeks! A couple eastern WY breeders passed through CO already and are in > far south Texas and in northern Mexico just south of Brownsville, TX. > Another WY breeder is down in the southern end of the Chihuahuan desert in > central Mexico! > > LB Curlew females bolt and leave the males with parental duty! Adult > females get into little groups and head out together. However males arrive > back on breeding grounds first. > > I've probably shared this page before, here's info on tagged curlews. > This is a great organization and partnership. IBO has done a fantastic job > on curlew work and outreach in Idaho where they had a lot of tagged curlews > shot. > https://www.curlewcrew.com/ > > Scott Somershoe > Littleton CO > Co-Author of *Birds of Tennessee: A New Annotated Checklist > <http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Tennessee-New-Annotated-Checklist/dp/1507815751/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453317221&sr=8-3>* > > > On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 9:32 AM Allison Hilf <allis......> > <javascript:>> wrote: > >> There have been some satellite tagged shorebirds heading south for a few >> weeks. Just on schedule. As Joe mentioned, they are often birds that >> failed to nest Because the time frame for nesting in much of their >> preferred arctic habitat is very short, if a first nest fails the adults >> often leave; sometimes they attempt a second brood and the female will stay >> and try to raise the young on her own. Those males seem to take care of >> themselves!! Just kidding, it is survival of the fittest out there in the >> bird world despite sex. >> >> Allison Hilf >> Aurora, CO >> >> On Jul 10, 2020, at 8:40 AM, Joe Roller <jrol......> <javascript:>> >> wrote: >> >> . >> >> >> -- >> 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 <cob......> <javascript:>. >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> >
Date: 7/10/20 11:38 am From: Scott Somershoe <ssomershoe...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
I'll just add a couple notes on these "early" shorebirds. They are right on time, like others have noted. The summer solstice is when southbound birds start arriving (yup, June 21 or so). There are always a few birds where you're not sure if they are going south or just didn't go to the arctic or what their direction/status is. Anyway, as a crazy example, I helped with the Georgia Breeding Bird Atlas in summer 2000 and had a Greater Yellowlegs on Cumberland Island about 24 June (can't find exact date at the moment, but it was just after the 22nd, which I distinctly remember for a couple reasons).
Willets, Marbled Godwits, and other prairie breeders discussed in this thread definitely fail and bail (as I say), much like arctic breeders. When I run my BBS routes in the prairies of north central Montana usually between 7-13 June, I'll see groups of 60+ Marbled Godwits. They likely all had failed nests or didn't nest. I've still never seen a godwit chick, which is concerning since I see young of everything else when I'm stomping around the prairie for a week or more. I'm sure I've been near some as if you're anywhere near a nest or young, they circle and attack you constantly, sometimes following you for over a mile. This does provide some great photo opps though!
In the case of Long-billed Curlews, several satellite tagged females from Idaho have been on their winter sites in southern Calif for nearly 3 weeks! A couple eastern WY breeders passed through CO already and are in far south Texas and in northern Mexico just south of Brownsville, TX. Another WY breeder is down in the southern end of the Chihuahuan desert in central Mexico!
LB Curlew females bolt and leave the males with parental duty! Adult females get into little groups and head out together. However males arrive back on breeding grounds first.
I've probably shared this page before, here's info on tagged curlews. This is a great organization and partnership. IBO has done a fantastic job on curlew work and outreach in Idaho where they had a lot of tagged curlews shot. https://www.curlewcrew.com/
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 9:32 AM Allison Hilf <allisonhilf...> wrote:
> There have been some satellite tagged shorebirds heading south for a few > weeks. Just on schedule. As Joe mentioned, they are often birds that > failed to nest Because the time frame for nesting in much of their > preferred arctic habitat is very short, if a first nest fails the adults > often leave; sometimes they attempt a second brood and the female will stay > and try to raise the young on her own. Those males seem to take care of > themselves!! Just kidding, it is survival of the fittest out there in the > bird world despite sex. > > Allison Hilf > Aurora, CO > > On Jul 10, 2020, at 8:40 AM, Joe Roller <jroller9...> wrote: > > . > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<16F6305A-94B8-4AF9-93EA-E4ECC2211022...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 7/10/20 8:32 am From: Allison Hilf <allisonhilf...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
There have been some satellite tagged shorebirds heading south for a few weeks. Just on schedule. As Joe mentioned, they are often birds that failed to nest Because the time frame for nesting in much of their preferred arctic habitat is very short, if a first nest fails the adults often leave; sometimes they attempt a second brood and the female will stay and try to raise the young on her own. Those males seem to take care of themselves!! Just kidding, it is survival of the fittest out there in the bird world despite sex.
Allison Hilf
Aurora, CO
> On Jul 10, 2020, at 8:40 AM, Joe Roller <jroller9...> wrote:
>
> .
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Date: 7/10/20 7:41 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
Although it's hard to be sure, my guess is that those juicy shorebirds were moving SOUTH, having failed at nesting up north somehow. I presume they were adults, but let us know if they were younger, please.
Joe Roller, Denver
"Time flies like the wind. Fruit flies like bananas".
On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 6:47 AM Mitchell Bailey < <mitchellbailey.civil...> wrote:
> Joey Negreann and I also saw a handful of willets at Cherry Creek State > Park along with two or more least sandpipers and a western sandpiper. Feels > like just yesterday shorebirds were moving north. > > Mitchell Bailey > Arapahoe County > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<3e825536-912c-42bd-b8b2-ea77c706c6b3o...> > . >
Date: 7/10/20 5:47 am From: Mitchell Bailey <mitchellbailey.civil...> Subject: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
Joey Negreann and I also saw a handful of willets at Cherry Creek State Park along with two or more least sandpipers and a western sandpiper. Feels like just yesterday shorebirds were moving north.
Date: 7/10/20 5:47 am From: Chris F <chrisfleuriel...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Lewis's Woodpecker
Two weeks I was camping at Vega Lake State Park and saw 2 Lewis'
Woodpeckers. One was on a fence post maybe 10 feet from the dirt road.
Also there were a number of Violet-Green swallows, plus a family of
Mountain Bluebirds. As a recent transplant to CO, the bluebirds were a
special treat.
Chris Fleuriel
Aurora CO
On Thu, Jul 9, 2020 at 11:25 AM Robert Righter <rorighter...>
wrote:
> Hi
>
> On June 30, Courtney Schultz alerted all us on Cobirds that there were
> Lewis’s Woodpeckers at Hewlett Gulch, along the Poudre River in Larimer Co.
> Today I spent a few early morning hours audio recording those woodpeckers.
> If anyone is interested in either photographing. recording or just watching
> these unusual woodpeckers, this is a great location. They are in tall bare
> trees visible from the parking lot, but by walking down the trail can get
> relatively quite close to them.
>
> Bob Righter
> Denver CO
>
> --
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>
Date: 7/10/20 5:47 am From: Robin Allison Jasper <drrobinclinpath...> Subject: [cobirds] Calliope Hummingbird
We just saw our first Calliope of the season in Allenspark👏
Robin
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 7/9/20 8:00 pm From: Frank Farrell <farrell7690...> Subject: [cobirds] Jeffco Whimbrel, M. Godwit etc.
I just came across a whimbrel, a marbled godwit and 10 Willets at the end of the Marina sandspit at Chatfield S P. All flew, willets have returned. Maybe others will also. Frank Farrell Morrison, CO
Date: 7/9/20 3:23 pm From: Tom Wilberding <twilberding...> Subject: [cobirds] Tent birding, western Larimer County
After exploring far south Baca County two weeks ago for two nights camping
and birding, Barb and I ventured out this week for some birding in the far
north, the east side of the Medicine Bow mountains in Larimer County near
Wyoming.
Tunnel Campground on CR 103 has a diligent host and 40 well-spaced sites
next to the roaring Laramie River. The host told us it sells out on
weekends, first come first served, but usually has some open spaces on
weekdays. Nearby is the West Branch Trail leading into the Rahwah
wilderness—lovely wildflowers and butterflies. (Rahwah means “wilderness”
in Arapaho.)
Most birds were nesting and hidden, but we did see a Red-naped Sapsucker
hover over us like a hummingbird, as if to say, “Move along, I have a nest
nearby.” In the willow carr near the Laramie River was a Slate-colored Fox
Sparrow singing up a storm, when not carrying insects to its hidden nest.
At Cameron Pass along state highway 14 we saw four adult moose chomping on
willow twigs like there was no tomorrow. South of Walden in North Park,
Jackson County, we drove the six mile auto route through Arapaho National
Wildlife Refuge We read it was established in 1967 primarily for waterfowl
production, especially Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, and American Wigeon. We saw
lots of those, but also American Coots sitting on floating nests in the
open, near very vocal Yellow-headed Blackbirds tending their hidden nests.
We also saw Coot chicks, so some females may be on clutch number two.
South of the refuge on state highway 125 we strolled the Moose Goose
boardwalk near refuge headquarters on the Illinois River. Saw a Savannah
Sparrow and a Black-crowned Night-Heron at this oasis surrounded by very
dry land. We then drove east on deserted county road 32 for 12 miles
through a vast sagebrush steppe with Brewer’s Sparrows popping up next to
the two-track dirt road. No luck seeing Greater Sage-Grouse.
Back at our campsite we were pretty comfortable until about 3 am, when one
wakes up and thinks, “Hypothermia!”--there is still snow at the top of the
Medicine Bow peaks and cold air falls. Consolation came in the form of two
Boreal Owls softly winnowing back and forth near our campsite, on and off
both nights from 9:30 pm to about 4 am. The dawn chorus came at 4:50 am in
the form of one cheerful American Robin.
Date: 7/9/20 10:25 am From: Robert Righter <rorighter...> Subject: [cobirds] Lewis's Woodpecker
Hi
On June 30, Courtney Schultz alerted all us on Cobirds that there were Lewis’s Woodpeckers at Hewlett Gulch, along the Poudre River in Larimer Co. Today I spent a few early morning hours audio recording those woodpeckers. If anyone is interested in either photographing. recording or just watching these unusual woodpeckers, this is a great location. They are in tall bare trees visible from the parking lot, but by walking down the trail can get relatively quite close to them.
Bob Righter
Denver CO
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Date: 7/8/20 7:32 pm From: Mitchell Bailey <mitchellbailey.civil...> Subject: [cobirds] Black Phoebe at Wingate South Park
Today I went to go see the Black Phoebe spotted yesterday at Wingate South Park by David Suddjian and Karen Strong. I spotted it by the pond, and then as I was leaving I saw it carry some nesting material or food across Carr St. I watched for a few minutes to see if its mate would come out, sure enough, it looks like it is nesting with a hybrid Eastern x Black Phoebe. It seems like we've gotten more and more hybrids here in the Front Range over the past few years, and maybe there will be a couple more coming soon!
JUST yesterday morning, I found one of these on my kitchen floor (Cap Hill,
Denver). Unfortunately, my cats got to it before it could be released. I
had never seen a moth that big in the States and wasn't sure what it was!
On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 8:17:01 AM UTC-6 <dgulb......> wrote:
> [image: P1010537.jpg]
> In view of all the Black Witch interest, I believe we deserve a better
> pic. My Witch photo:
>
>
> On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
>> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
>> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
>> still here!!
>> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
>> cell.
>>
>> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll
>> be grateful!
>>
>> David Gulbenkian
>>
>
Date: 7/8/20 12:08 pm From: modise <namaqua76...> Subject: [cobirds] Common yellowthroats, Adams County, I-270 and Platte River Trail
About 7:00 am today biking the Platte River Trail on the north side of
I-270, I heard two common yellowthroats calling to the east of the trail.
There is a large reedy there - never saw them, but definitely heard - I
love that rolling call and realizing it’s a lone ranger bird!
On a different note, snowy egret numbers have been high along the Platte
River. On Monday, on a 21 mile stretch from Reynolds Landing in Arapahoe
County to Clear Creek in Adams County, I saw 35! 24 of them were in two
groups north and south of Hampden - I could barely count them fast enough -
it was pretty awesome!
Date: 7/8/20 9:09 am From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] Breeding Birds at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! This morning I birded Fossil Creek Reservoir in search of breeding birds and was not let down. I'm happy to say that the Orchard Orioles did return to breed, and apparently successfully fledged some young already! I was unable to confirm that Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers had nests, but based off of the extensive amount of singing and indicative behavior, I wouldn't be surprised if there were nests for both species. One highlight was the impressive numbers of recently fledged Cliff Swallows--they carpeted sections of the dirt trail at a time, while busy parent birds were hunting in their whereabouts. Of course, the Barn Swallows have returned strong; there were four easily viewable nests with young, and I'm sure there are others. A recently fledged Western Meadowlark was practicing his song (which was curiously humorous), and Western Grebes were vocalizing back and forth. Seems like the Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are also doing well, and the begging cries of baby birds in nests could be heard all along the south end of the reservoir. Part of me suspects that Lark Sparrows have a nest somewhere on the property, but the best hints I could get were pairs and singing in the right habitat. I don't know much about ammodramus sparrows in general, but I did notice there were an incredible amount of Grasshopper Sparrows singing their hearts out all over the nature reserve. Do Grasshopper Sparrows breed at Fossil Creek Reservoir? *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
Date: 7/8/20 7:17 am From: David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: need Ted Floyd's cell # now!
[image: P1010537.jpg]
In view of all the Black Witch interest, I believe we deserve a better pic.
My Witch photo:
On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
> still here!!
> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
> cell.
>
> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll
> be grateful!
>
> David Gulbenkian
>
Date: 7/7/20 7:19 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] black witch food plants and a comment about the cemetery tanager
I said in my earlier post about the black witch moth that larval (caterpillar) host plants do not occur in Colorado. That is not exactly correct. I remembered a few years ago Duane Nelson informed me a private ranch he has access to in Baca County has a few mesquite trees. Yet another example of southern flora and fauna expanding northward. Leaves of mesquite, along with Cassia trees and probably some other leguminous plants, are black witch caterpillar foods. Overwintering survival of pupae, given the possibility of severe cold snaps, is probably a more likely limiting factor at present to establishment of this impressive beast in Colorado.
To legitimize this for COBIRDS, Ted Floyd asked if the young bird being fed by the adult male Western Tanager in my post the other day about low-elevation nesting at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins could be a cowbird. While I have not seen a cowbird at Grandview in a couple years, they are stealthy and I was gone for two weeks in the latter half of June. Several years ago I witnessed the fledging process of a cowbird raised by Ruby-crowned Kinglet parents. The bird being fed by the tanager did not act or sound like the cowbird youngster at roughly the same stage of development. To quote current politicians, I'll add, "to the best of my knowledge". On the day of the feeding photos, the young bird gave a single, somewhat musical, chirp when it was hungry or otherwise wanted to let the parents know its location. Two days later (July 5th) I heard it but could not see it during a couple feedings. At that time it gave a two-syllable phrase that to my ear sounded like the intro notes to the regular adult Western Tanager song. I do not have a recording of any of this, unfortunately. Someday I'll be a real birder. I think it's a tanager fledgling, it would be interesting even if it is a cowbird, and maybe somebody, somewhere can solve the question once and for all from the photos. I have tried two more times to see feeding, including today, without success. Both parents were present today, and I think the female made a couple deliveries to the young bird high in a green ash. I just couldn't get focused on the right tree and right part of the right tree in time to see or photograph any of the action. When I finally thought I knew which tree the youngster was in, I waited for another delivery, camera at the ready. Instead of adult tanagers, here came all five of the cemetery mowers to start doing the section right where I stood. Observing the feeding of a young bird away from the nest requires a heavy dose of listening. Forget that, so I left. It should be mentioned that in the process of homing in on which tree harbored the young bird, I saw both parents aggressively go after blue jays. Perhaps the jays are to blame for why only one young bird from the tanager nest made it out of the nest.
Date: 7/7/20 4:45 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Forbidden love at Greenlee Preserve (not a black witch report)
Hey, all.
Sorry, this isn't a black witch report. I have to say, I'm delighted that this list has been hijacked by those who delight in seeing and reporting black witches. Birds are marvelous, duh, but so are monstrous purple moths. And, hey, I *did* find a baby skunk the other day at Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County:
[image: adorable baby skunk.jpg]
But this is a bird report.
So...Yesterday evening, Mon., June 6, Hannah Floyd and I were at Greenlee Preserve, where we heard the descending grunts of a Virginia rail, my first this year at the preserve. (First blue grosbeak just a few days earlier. Stuff moves in July!) Moments later I heard what I believed to be a sora; at least one sora has been at the preserve for close to two months now.
Then we saw both birds, although not well, as it was getting dark, and the birds were in the dense cattails. They got closer and closer, and copulated, the bird on top unquestionably a Virginia rail. I assumed the other was another Virginia rail (a reasonable assumption?), and that my single-call-note-only (*pleek!*) of the sora must have been in error. But then the birds, ah, disengaged, and a sora shuffled off.
Soras and Virginia rails aren't especially close relatives, being in different genera. So there's no particular reason to believe that this palustrine assignation will result in something, ah, viable. But if you see some really weird rails in the next month or so, you'll know where they came from. And you heard it here first!
Okay, we're going back out to look for black witches now.
Date: 7/7/20 2:03 pm From: James CONNELL <jconnell43...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Ascalapha odorata too in downtown Denver
Moth Hunters,
Haven't seen one this year but last year this Black Witch moth hung out on my stoop for a day. I understand they fly at night.
Date was July 12th.
Jim
> On 07/07/2020 11:06 AM Carolyn S <caleahey...> wrote:
>
>
> Hello, I just needed to jump in here on the huge moth report - Ascalapha odorata. I believe this is what I saw in downtown Denver about a decade ago (I know it's been awhile!).. going into the office building early morning at 17th and California, on the 17th side through the rotating door - a little bird with its wings totally spread out was for some reason clinging to the inside of one of the rotating doors a few inches above the ground. Strange.. was it hurt or worse? When I got inside I immediately turned around and went back outside through the doors to get a closer look..
>
> Wait this was NOT a bird, No, No it was actually a HUGE moth, HUGE -> the LARGEST I have ever seen!! It was just resting, not hurt or anything. I went back inside and went up to the security guard to chat about it - he just nodded and laughed - Yes, he had definitely seen it and most everyone coming through that morning too.. I wondered if I should call the Denver Zoo or Butterfly Pavilion or someone - CPW to see if official folks should come out and capture to relocate it and based on the size it could even make the evening news! But later I learned that moths can indeed get that big.. I hope that leaving it be was the right move.. There are many urban animal and bug folks that adapt and seem thrive just fine and have their own chosen homes, shelters, and routines in the cement jungle..? So based on the size I believe it was this moth species.. who knew that moths could get actually as big as birds and live in the middle of cities??
>
> On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
> > > I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
> > Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s still here!!
> > Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his cell.
> >
> > He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll be grateful!
> >
> > David Gulbenkian
> >
> > >
>
> --
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...> .
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Date: 7/7/20 1:58 pm From: Anne Price <raptoresse...> Subject: [cobirds] Black Witch Moth: Jefferson Co, July 3rd
David and Ted (and the rest of us who love cool flying things!):
I am thrilled and humbled to say that I saw one of these amazing creatures on Friday, July 3rd in my Littleton (south of Columbine HS) yard around 10:30 AM, but I had no idea what I was looking at. It emerged from under my ancient wooden deck, and slowly flapped around the yard, never landing long enough for me to get a good look at it. At first I thought it was the brownest butterfly I had ever seen, and it seemed to be tired, or dying; the flapping motion was incredibly slow. Then I thought it might be a sphinx moth, but the large critter vanished pretty quickly over a fence, and that was that. I truly wasn’t sure what I was looking at, until I saw this discussion.
Date: 7/7/20 12:26 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch Moth)
Just a few comments. Black Witch moths are not all that rare in Colorado but certainly noteworthy when one sees one. As a practicing entomologist/birder who spends a ton of time on the eastern plains, I have only found maybe 5 over the last 46 years. I found one once in a Marietta, Ohio parking lot when I was in college in the late 60's and I saw one on a night baseball game field in Fort Collins in the 1980s. When I ran out between innings to collect it, a woman in the stands screamed, "Don't touch it, it's a bat!!!!!!!!!!!". "Thanks, maam, for your concern", I thought to myself. I have seen dozens in insect collections from 4-H kids residing in eastern CO counties. I know of landowners in the Lamar area who see at least one every summer (about this time in July), and have seen as many as 6 at one time on their properties. There is a famous account of one on the snow atop Mount Evans on the 4th of July in the classic The Moth Book by WJ Holland. We now think the likely origin of individual Black Witches reaching Colorado is south TX. Larval food plants for caterpillars of this moth do not grow in CO. Wind patterns were right to bring a large number of this spectacular moth, many of them surprisingly pristine, our way a couple weeks ago. This received attention from the plant folks on their listserv which parallels COBIRDS.
If anyone sees a bird eating one, I'd love to hear about it.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Carolyn S <caleahey...>
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 11:06 AM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Ascalapha odorata too in downtown Denver
Hello, I just needed to jump in here on the huge moth report - Ascalapha odorata. I believe this is what I saw in downtown Denver about a decade ago (I know it's been awhile!).. going into the office building early morning at 17th and California, on the 17th side through the rotating door - a little bird with its wings totally spread out was for some reason clinging to the inside of one of the rotating doors a few inches above the ground. Strange.. was it hurt or worse? When I got inside I immediately turned around and went back outside through the doors to get a closer look..
Wait this was NOT a bird, No, No it was actually a HUGE moth, HUGE -> the LARGEST I have ever seen!! It was just resting, not hurt or anything. I went back inside and went up to the security guard to chat about it - he just nodded and laughed - Yes, he had definitely seen it and most everyone coming through that morning too.. I wondered if I should call the Denver Zoo or Butterfly Pavilion or someone - CPW to see if official folks should come out and capture to relocate it and based on the size it could even make the evening news! But later I learned that moths can indeed get that big.. I hope that leaving it be was the right move.. There are many urban animal and bug folks that adapt and seem thrive just fine and have their own chosen homes, shelters, and routines in the cement jungle..? So based on the size I believe it was this moth species.. who knew that moths could get actually as big as birds and live in the middle of cities??
On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s still here!!
Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his cell.
He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll be grateful!
Date: 7/7/20 11:49 am From: Carolyn S <caleahey...> Subject: [cobirds] Ascalapha odorata too in downtown Denver
Hello, I just needed to jump in here on the huge moth report - Ascalapha
odorata. I believe this is what I saw in downtown Denver about a decade
ago (I know it's been awhile!).. going into the office building early
morning at 17th and California, on the 17th side through the rotating door
- a little bird with its wings totally spread out was for some reason
clinging to the inside of one of the rotating doors a few inches above the
ground. Strange.. was it hurt or worse? When I got inside I immediately
turned around and went back outside through the doors to get a closer
look..
Wait this was NOT a bird, No, No it was actually a HUGE moth, HUGE -> the
LARGEST I have ever seen!! It was just resting, not hurt or anything. I
went back inside and went up to the security guard to chat about it - he
just nodded and laughed - Yes, he had definitely seen it and most everyone
coming through that morning too.. I wondered if I should call the Denver
Zoo or Butterfly Pavilion or someone - CPW to see if official folks should
come out and capture to relocate it and based on the size it could even
make the evening news! But later I learned that moths can indeed get that
big.. I hope that leaving it be was the right move.. There are many urban
animal and bug folks that adapt and seem thrive just fine and have their
own chosen homes, shelters, and routines in the cement jungle..? So based
on the size I believe it was this moth species.. who knew that moths could
get actually as big as birds and live in the middle of cities??
On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
> still here!!
> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
> cell.
>
> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll
> be grateful!
>
> David Gulbenkian
>
All
A friend of mine just sent me a photo of one that was on his porch in Loveland
Steve Larson
Northglenn
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 6, 2020, at 5:29 PM, Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
>
> Hey, folks. I know this isn't bird-related, but I sure do appreciate folks' consideration in the matter. The species in question is the black witch, Ascalapha odorata, and I long to see one in Colorado more than anything else. Especially a female. And David Gulbenkian just now showed me a photo of an impeccable, impossibly ginormous female at his residence near Denver. Alas, Kei has the car right now . . .
>
> This convo happened a little earlier:
>
> "Mom, I hate Dad."
> "Um? Why?"
> "There's a black witch in Denver, and he won't take me to see it."
> "Um?"
> "I'll never forgive him."
>
> So, yeah, things are getting a bit hairy hereabouts.
>
> Okay, birds. I should mention birds. Yesterday's "Lafayette Birds!" outing at Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County, was wonderful. We had a lot of people, so I'm grateful to forcibly conscripted co-leaders Mikaela Caldera, Hannah Floyd ("Mom, I hate Dad"), and Martin Ogle for breaking off with the sub-groups, necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19. I think most birders got to see the two black-chinned hummingbird males duking it out near Hecla Pond; that was a highlight. But the real show-stopper was a snow-white Swainson hawk nestling poking out from its treetop abode near Waneka Lake. We actually had 45 species of birds, not shabby for a hot summer afternoon.
>
> No black witches yesterday, but it seems like, after a few summers of not getting the hang of it, the four-spotted moths, Tyta luctuosa, have finally figured out why they got a free ticket to Colorado. Those day-flying moths, handsome and distinctive, were absolutely infesting the bindweed which, in turn, infests all of Lafayette and probably most of Colorado. Not that they seem to be having any effect whatsoever on the bindweed, but, then again, when's the last time biological control ever accomplished what it was actually supposed to?
>
> Ted Floyd
> Lafayette, Boulder County
>
>
>
>
>> On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
>> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s still here!!
>> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his cell.
>>
>> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll be grateful!
>>
>> David Gulbenkian
>
> --
> 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...>
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Hey, folks. I know this isn't bird-related, but I sure do appreciate folks'
consideration in the matter. The species in question is the black witch, *Ascalapha
odorata*, and I long to see one in Colorado more than anything else.
Especially a female. And David Gulbenkian just now showed me a photo of an
impeccable, impossibly ginormous female at his residence near Denver. Alas,
Kei has the car right now . . .
This convo happened a little earlier:
"Mom, I hate Dad."
"Um? Why?"
"There's a black witch in Denver, and he won't take me to see it."
"Um?"
"I'll never forgive him."
So, yeah, things are getting a bit hairy hereabouts.
Okay, birds. I should mention birds. Yesterday's "Lafayette Birds!" outing
at Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County, was wonderful. We had a lot of
people, so I'm grateful to forcibly conscripted co-leaders Mikaela Caldera,
Hannah Floyd ("Mom, I hate Dad"), and Martin Ogle for breaking off with the
sub-groups, necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19. I think most
birders got to see the two black-chinned hummingbird males duking it out
near Hecla Pond; that was a highlight. But the real show-stopper was a
snow-white Swainson hawk nestling poking out from its treetop abode near
Waneka Lake. We actually had 45 species of birds, not shabby for a hot
summer afternoon.
No black witches yesterday, but it seems like, after a few summers of not
getting the hang of it, the four-spotted moths, *Tyta luctuosa*, have
finally figured out why they got a free ticket to Colorado. Those
day-flying moths, handsome and distinctive, were absolutely infesting the
bindweed which, in turn, infests all of Lafayette and probably most of
Colorado. Not that they seem to be having any effect whatsoever on the
bindweed, but, then again, when's the last time biological control ever
accomplished what it was actually supposed to?
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County
On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
> still here!!
> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
> cell.
>
> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll
> be grateful!
>
> David Gulbenkian
>
Well don’t keep us all in suspense! What is the moth?
Sent from my iPhone
www.rkhphotography.net
Rachel Kolokoff Hopper
Ft. Collins
On Jul 6, 2020, at 4:50 PM, David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> wrote:
I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s still here!!
Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his cell.
He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll be grateful!
David Gulbenkian
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Date: 7/6/20 3:56 pm From: David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: need Ted Floyd's cell # now!
If someone of you is reluctant to give out a phone #, please do this: call
him yourself and tell him
to check his email right away or call me at 303-235-0456
Thx David
On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 4:50:17 PM UTC-6, David Gulbenkian wrote:
>
> I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
> Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
> still here!!
> Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
> cell.
>
> He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll
> be grateful!
>
> David Gulbenkian
>
Date: 7/6/20 3:50 pm From: David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> Subject: [cobirds] need Ted Floyd's cell # now!
I’ve bee emailing Ted Floyd about a rare moth he says he’s dying to see.
Told him it had left, but now am trying to contact him to tell him it’s
still here!!
Have emailed him and left a message on his home phone, but don’t have his
cell.
He claims this moth is his #1 object to see in nature, so I’m sure he’ll be
grateful!
Date: 7/5/20 7:58 pm From: 'Birding' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Question about song of Colorado white-throated sparrows
Coincidentally, there is a very informative article on this in today’s Post.
Norm Lewis
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 5, 2020, at 12:03 PM, Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> wrote:
>
>
> Good question and nice link. Thanks to both, Pam
>
>> On Sat, Jul 4, 2020 at 8:13 PM Sandra Laursen <salaursen...> wrote:
>> I don't know the answer, but can recommend the piece by Sarah Zhang in the Atlantic Monthly, with recordings and sonograms
>> https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/07/bird-song-sparrows/613768/ >>
>>
>>
>>> On Saturday, July 4, 2020 at 6:59:33 PM UTC-6, Willem van Vliet wrote:
>>>
>>> A study, just published, shows the progressive eastward adoption of a doublet-ending song among white-throated sparrows, replacing the traditional triplet ending. The researchers found that birds from different dialect groups overwinter together and suggest song tutoring during this time is a facilitating factor (https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(20)30771-5.pdf?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982220307715%3Fshowall%3Dtrue).
>>>
>>> Is there any information on how white-throated sparrows in Colorado fit into this trend?
>>>
>>> Willem van Vliet--
>>> Boulder County
>>
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>
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>
>
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We've had crows raise a brood every year by our house and in our yard for several years. This behavior sounds a lot like the behavior of the youngest who is "forced" to fledge too early because they won't stay in the nest when the older siblings fledge. In my experience this youngest is completely befuddled for quite awhile. It's especially an issue when the older ones and the parents move to a location that essentially abandons the youngest.
Two years ago the youngest (3rd one) didn't survive because they couldn't keep up when the oldest two moved down the block and the parent followed them. Last year they had four! I could tell by watching that this 4th one was way down on the smarts scale compared to their siblings. It took him months to figure out how things worked. The 3rd one this year is doing better, but he's still begging a lot while the older two don't.
Lynne Forrester
Littleton
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Eric Dinkel <endinkel...>
Sent: Sunday, July 5, 2020 12:15:31 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Strange Corvid Beahvior Denver
A neighbor shared this with me- This corvid has been hanging in my neighborhood for the last few days in the highlands in Denver. It is walking around and calling a strange, higher pitched one note call from time to time (I'll try to get a recording).
[IMG_4429.JPG]<about:invalid#zClosurez>
The behavior is odd. It doesn’t appear injured but keeps on the ground not flying much. It is not very afraid of humans and would allow people to get within 5 feet before walking away. Our neighbor saw it in their window looking in (I have a video that I don't know how to attach, email me if you want to take a look). Wondering 2 things:
1. Crow or Raven?
2. Has anyone seen or heard of behavior like this before? Possible this bird was raised in captivity?
Can’t the for sure from the photos, but it looks like there might be a trace of a gape at the base of the bill, in which case this would be a young bird.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
> On Jul 5, 2020, at 12:15 PM, Eric Dinkel <endinkel...> wrote:
>
> <IMG_4433.PNG> <about:invalid#zClosurez>
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You are right that it’s strange behavior! Iit is a crow—the raven would be exhibiting a gigantic beak. I believe you are making a good guess that the bird was kept in captivity. Injuries sometimes cause a bird not to flee humans. For example, that can happen when a bird flies into a window seeing a reflection of the nature behind and is temporarily stunned. But I doubt if that would persist for days. In the photo from behind, the crow shows some feather damage on the tail and flight feathers.
It would be worthwhile to hear the call it’s making. Corvids can mimic (Remember Edgar Allen Poe’s raven who repeated “Nevermore?”)
And finally, the crow peering inside is unusual also. I suggest calling Denver Audubon (303) 973-9530, as people losing birds often call there. You also might try feeding it a small amount of food. Crows eat virtually anything. If you don’t have any filet mignon handy, hamburger. If not hamburger, table scraps would do. If it doesn’t eat, something is seriously wrong.
Thanks for reporting this. Let folks know if you get an answer.
Larry Modesitt
Arvada
> On Jul 5, 2020, at 12:15 PM, Eric Dinkel <endinkel...> wrote:
>
> A neighbor shared this with me- This corvid has been hanging in my neighborhood for the last few days in the highlands in Denver. It is walking around and calling a strange, higher pitched one note call from time to time (I'll try to get a recording).
> <IMG_4429.JPG> <about:invalid#zClosurez>
>
> The behavior is odd. It doesn’t appear injured but keeps on the ground not flying much. It is not very afraid of humans and would allow people to get within 5 feet before walking away. Our neighbor saw it in their window looking in (I have a video that I don't know how to attach, email me if you want to take a look). Wondering 2 things:
> 1. Crow or Raven?
> 2. Has anyone seen or heard of behavior like this before? Possible this bird was raised in captivity?
> <IMG_0309.JPG> <about:invalid#zClosurez>
>
>
> <IMG_4433.PNG> <about:invalid#zClosurez>
>
> --
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
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> <IMG_4429.JPG><IMG_0309.JPG><IMG_4433.PNG>
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Date: 7/5/20 11:15 am From: Eric Dinkel <endinkel...> Subject: [cobirds] Strange Corvid Beahvior Denver
A neighbor shared this with me- This corvid has been hanging in my
neighborhood for the last few days in the highlands in Denver. It is
walking around and calling a strange, higher pitched one note call from
time to time (I'll try to get a recording).
[image: IMG_4429.JPG] <about:invalid#zClosurez>
The behavior is odd. It doesn’t appear injured but keeps on the ground not
flying much. It is not very afraid of humans and would allow people to get
within 5 feet before walking away. Our neighbor saw it in their window
looking in (I have a video that I don't know how to attach, email me if you
want to take a look). Wondering 2 things:
1. Crow or Raven?
2. Has anyone seen or heard of behavior like this before? Possible this
bird was raised in captivity?
Date: 7/5/20 11:00 am From: Janet Justice-Waddington <jjustwaddington...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Question about song of Colorado white-throated sparrows
I don't know about white-throated sparrows, but I remember that Stanford, or Cal Tech (?) was doing experiments in the 1980s, on the song sharing, changing, of white-crowned sparrows. Very interesting. Jan Waddington - Jeffco
On Sat, Jul 4, 2020 at 6:59 PM Willem van Vliet <wwillem...> wrote:
Date: 7/5/20 9:52 am From: robert beauchamp <torobbeau...> Subject: [cobirds] Dickcissel - Fort Collins
Nice variety of grassland birds at Reservoir Ridge Nat. Area (Ft. Collins) this morning. Four Dickcissel vocalizing. A handful of Bobolink continue near the fence line (the hayfield to the north has been mowed). Also had VESP, GRSP, and one Cassin's Sparrow.
Date: 7/5/20 8:05 am From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] "Lafayette Birds!"--TODAY, July 5, 1pm, Greenlee Preserve, Boulder
Hey, folks.
The City of Lafayette, Boulder County, will be offering its first-Sunday-of-the-month birding (and butterflying and dragonflying) outing this sultry *Sunday afternoon, July 5. Meet at 1pm* at the Greenlee Preserve observation deck in Lafayette.
Birds seen in the past week at Greenlee and environs have included *blue grosbeak* (arrived yesterday, singing like crazy this morning), *bald eagle, Osprey, Say phoebe, Swainson hawk, lesser goldfinch, bushtit, common raven, yellow-headed blackbird, chimney swift, black-chinned hummingbird, sora, American avocet, black-crowned night-heron, vesper sparrow,* and *gray catbird.* Also the *spotted towhee* with the cray-cray song; we will look for, or, I suppose, listen for, that bird too. Odes may include skimmers and meadowhawks (guaranteed), forktails and whitetails and whitefaces, darners and dashers and dancers (Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer!), bluets of course, and maybe even a good'n like an American rubyspot or halloween pennant.
We will watch birds and insects in small groups of 6 or fewer. Face masks and 6-ft. distancing mandatory. Hope to see some of you this afternoon! Again: 1pm, Greenlee observation deck, bring hat and face mask, practice social distancing.
Date: 7/5/20 7:52 am From: Beth Payne (Beth Payne) <paynebethie...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Question about a Hummer
The bird flew up in the tree and came back down feeding for a few times then disappeared.
Beth Payne
Colorado Springs
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 5, 2020, at 2:15 AM, Deborah Carstensen <fiddlenurs...> wrote:
>
> I don’t know but I wonder if he drank old nectar somewhere that has caused him to get a thrush like infection in his esophagus. This can lead to death in hummers. What finally happened to the bird?
> Deb Carstensen, Arapahoe county
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 4, 2020, at 3:48 PM, Beth Payne (Beth Payne) <paynebethie...> wrote:
>>
>> Any ideas what is going on? This bird has been doing this for about 15 minutes. Watch the Video.
>>
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>>
>> Beth Payne
>> Northend of Colorado Springs
>>
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Date: 7/5/20 1:15 am From: 'Deborah Carstensen' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Question about a Hummer
I don’t know but I wonder if he drank old nectar somewhere that has caused him to get a thrush like infection in his esophagus. This can lead to death in hummers. What finally happened to the bird?
Deb Carstensen, Arapahoe county
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 4, 2020, at 3:48 PM, Beth Payne (Beth Payne) <paynebethie...> wrote:
>
> Any ideas what is going on? This bird has been doing this for about 15 minutes. Watch the Video.
>
> --
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>
> Beth Payne
> Northend of Colorado Springs
>
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Date: 7/4/20 7:17 pm From: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Question about song of Colorado white-throated sparrows
The question that came to my mind is about song change over time in general - if we were to travel back in time 1000 years, for example, would we recognize the White-throated Sparrow song at all?
On Sat, Jul 4, 2020 at 8:13 PM Sandra Laursen <salaursen...> wrote:
On Saturday, July 4, 2020 at 6:59:33 PM UTC-6, Willem van Vliet wrote: > > > A study, just published, shows the progressive eastward adoption of a > doublet-ending song among white-throated sparrows, replacing the > traditional triplet ending. The researchers found that birds from > different dialect groups overwinter together and suggest song tutoring > during this time is a facilitating factor ( > https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(20)30771-5.pdf?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982220307715%3Fshowall%3Dtrue > ). > > Is there any information on how white-throated sparrows in Colorado fit > into this trend? > > Willem van Vliet-- > Boulder County >
Date: 7/4/20 2:48 pm From: Beth Payne (Beth Payne) <paynebethie...> Subject: [cobirds] Question about a Hummer
Any ideas what is going on? This bird has been doing this for about 15 minutes. Watch the Video.
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Beth Payne Northend of Colorado Springs
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Date: 7/4/20 11:49 am From: 'Hugh Kingery' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Walker Pit, Douglas
Urling & I just observed a dozen Am. Avocets on a sand bar at the Walker Road Gravel Pit. (10 a.m.). With them a yellowlegs, 3 Mallards, and 26 Canada Geese. And across the lake, 4-5 adult Black Angus & one kid.
Hugh Kingery
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Date: 7/4/20 9:02 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Colorado's 350 State Wildlife Areas
Great information, Diana. Thank you.
Chuck
> On Jul 4, 2020, at 9:43 AM, Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...> wrote:
>
> I had a conversation online with a man known as "Hiking Bob" who writes for the Colorado Springs Independent and has interviewed CPW staff multiple times about this situation. He told me that he is being told by the staff that if one has either a hunting or fishing license, that that is sufficient for hiking/birding on any of the SWAs even if hiking/birding is not a specifically listed 'intended' activity of the specific property, unless it is specifically listed as a prohibited activity for that particular property.
>
> Diana Beatty
> CFO Board
> El Paso County
>
> On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 7:42 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> <mailto:<cobirds...>> wrote:
> As I read the guidance CPW has put out on use of SWA's, I wonder if the idea of simply buying a fishing license to gain access to all the SWA's really works. In their FAQs on this subject there is an entry that reads:
> "Question: If I have a hunting license does it allow me to engage in any activity I wish on a SWA?
> Answer: No. All other regulations still apply. It allows you to engage in the outdoor activities authorized for that specific property." (emphasis mine). Many SWA's do not list fishing as an activity authorized on the property.
>
> Chuck Hundertmark, in an earlier post in this thread, suggested: "When questions about policy or intent of the agency arise, the best approach is probably talking to the agency." I think that is an excellent idea, and I'd like to suggest that one or more of our birding organizations (DFO, CFO, Audubon Rockies...) contact CPW to get clarification that they can then disseminate to the birding community.
>
> Keep Smilin',
> Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe County
>
> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone.
>
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>
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> ******
>
> All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.
>
>
>
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Date: 7/4/20 8:43 am From: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Colorado's 350 State Wildlife Areas
I had a conversation online with a man known as "Hiking Bob" who writes for the Colorado Springs Independent and has interviewed CPW staff multiple times about this situation. He told me that he is being told by the staff that if one has either a hunting or fishing license, that that is sufficient for hiking/birding on any of the SWAs even if hiking/birding is not a specifically listed 'intended' activity of the specific property, unless it is specifically listed as a prohibited activity for that particular property.
Diana Beatty CFO Board El Paso County
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 7:42 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds < <cobirds...> wrote:
> As I read the guidance CPW has put out on use of SWA's, I wonder if the > idea of simply buying a fishing license to gain access to all the SWA's > really works. In their FAQs on this subject there is an entry that reads: > "Question: If I have a hunting license does it allow me to engage in any > activity I wish on a SWA? > Answer: No. All other regulations still apply. It allows you to > engage in the outdoor activities* authorized for that specific property*." > (emphasis mine). Many SWA's do not list fishing as an activity authorized > on the property. > > Chuck Hundertmark, in an earlier post in this thread, suggested: "When > questions about policy or intent of the agency arise, the best approach is > probably talking to the agency." I think that is an excellent idea, and > I'd like to suggest that one or more of our birding organizations (DFO, > CFO, Audubon Rockies...) contact CPW to get clarification that they can > then disseminate to the birding community. > > Keep Smilin', > Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe County > > Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<117967710.1889440.1593740529895...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<117967710.1889440.1593740529895...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
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All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.
Date: 7/3/20 7:07 pm From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] White-winged Dove in Timnath, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! I was driving to the pool this evening and found a White-winged Dove on the sidewalk next to the road. It flew into the field (private owned land) just south of the Timnath Community Center. I hurried back, but it flushed too far, and I couldn't relocate the bird for a photo. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
Date: 7/3/20 4:31 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins, (Larimer) on 3July2020
Obtained proof positive of Western Tanager nesting in Colorado Blue Spruce at approximately 5000' elevation in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins, today. I was sure of it the other day but seeing a male feed a nestling/fledgling sealed the deal. Youngster gave little chirps when it was hungry. Male actually brought in more than it could handle and during a couple visits the young bird refused the offering. Having helped raise three boys, been there, done that.
Both Chipping Sparrows and Western Wood-Pewees nesting nearby. Instead of mowed grass and square rocks, it would have been just as appropriate for the understory to be ninebark shrubs and pine needles.
Date: 7/3/20 2:20 pm From: Brian Johnson <buntingrobinjay...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Monument Adventurs and Car misadventurs, Mesa County
Hi, I went camping last week, (June 22-26) for my annual birthday camping trip (the first and so far only trip that was not canceled this year). I spent three nights and four days at Colorado Monument in hopes of adding five West Slop birds to my life list, Gambles Quail, Gray Vireo, Scott's Oriole, Lucy's Warbler, along with the the Purple Martins at nearby Vega State Park I haven been trying to get a glimpse of. My first day I did find the a Purple Martin at Vega, right at the point I was giving up and realizing I needed to continue heading over to Colorado Monument. I was at the boat ramp near the aspens and right then a Purple Martin went zipping by my car over the lake. I did not get more then a fleeting glimpse but at least I saw it. I end my day in Colorado Monument, about 95 degrees and 80 at night, especially fun in a tent. Around the beautiful Saddlehorn Campground I found Juniper Titmice that gave good looks and posed for photos, the first time I got such a good look at this bird. The following day, June 23, I spent the morning exploring the monument and spending a good part of the morning at Devils Kitchen, looking for but not find the Gray Vireo but I did find the Black Throated Sparrow at Devils Kitchen, which was new for my Colorado list. I had seen one once before in California's Mojave Desert Preserve. For me the highlight was the different lizard species at Devils Kitchen, including the Long Nosed Leopard Lizard that panicked and ran head first into my boot, then found it's burrow. That afternoon I made the long drive out to Brewster's Ridge right on the Utah line in search of Scott's Oriole. I got a fleeting glimpses of a male as he flew from on juniper to another and gave a brief song. My car started to overheat but I turned the heater on full blast, fun in 100 degree weather, and it got better. I got it back to the campground and let it sit for the rest of the evening to cool off. Walking down to Window Rock overlook near the parking lot I got another fleeting glimpse of a life bird, Gambles Quail as they ran for cover. Fleeting glimpse was starting to become a them for life birds... The next morning I got early and prepared for a long drive down to Gateway Canyon for Lucy's Warbler, confident I could find them with the info from this community. I had no idea what the car gods had in store for me. In ten minutes, still at the monument, my car overhead and broke down. AAA came out but would not give me a ride because of COVID19 so I had to get the ranger to give me a ride back to the campground and then get a LYFT to get the garage, where I spent the rest of the day. In the end my car had to stay and I had to finish with a rental car. (The car is still in Grand Junction getting a water pump). With most of the day shot I still had the evening. During that time I finally got a decent look at Gray Vireo. The next morning I broke camp and prepared to head to Grand Mesa and a welcome cooler condition. On the way I tried again for Lucy's Warbler at Gateway. It was however late since I had to break camp. I got there at around 9 am, wondering if it was already to late in the day. With in minutes however I heard it sinning and calling. I stood near the teepee structure and got several good looks. However I did not approach to close so as not to disturb the birds to get a photo. Happy with that success I drove my rental off to Grand Mesa for much cooler temps and some mountain birds. And whole lot of mosquitoes! (So glad for off) I spent one whole day on the mesa hiking and observing the birds, Olive Sided Pewees, Casssin's Finches and other expected mountain species, along with Clark's Nutcrackers, Steller's Jay and Canada Jays hanging out with me in camp. In all despite the car trouble, and heat, it was a very fun trip and I got to see new West Slop birds and finally saw Colorado Monument. Also thanks to everyone who gave me advise on where to find Lucy's Warbler. I got some great looks and I did not need a four wheel to get there. Good birding, Brian Johnson, Englewood CO
Date: 7/3/20 9:15 am From: Robin Allison Jasper <drrobinclinpath...> Subject: [cobirds] Rufous hummingbird
We just saw our first Rufous Hummingbird of the season this AM in Allenspark👏
Robin
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Date: 7/3/20 9:15 am From: Bev Baker <catbirdbb...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Boulder Eastern Meadowlark et al. (the plot thickens...)
Yesterday evening I met a friend at the Valmont Teller/White Rocks parking lot and we headed south in the early evening heat and sun. There were three meadowlarks foraging in the mowed field next to the two tan barns. We watched for quite a while and thought one of them looked eastern, but none vocalized other than a western call or two and we weren't sure. After a while the wind picked up, the sun dipped behind clouds, and the temp cooled a bit. Walking back east along the ditch, we heard the eastern meadowlark song (over the wind and water noise) in the mowed field north of the ditch, and found the bird on the ground. Then it gave one of the diagnostic buzzy calls, It flew west in the same field and kept singing consistently from around 7:45-8:15 PM.
Dickcissels were vocalizing everywhere the whole time. We only heard one bobolink, briefly, in the field north of the tan barns - I usually see and hear multiple bobolinks in the morning in this area.
Thanks for the posts about this, it reminded me to revisit one of my favorite local patches!
Bev Baker Louisville
On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 1:40:11 PM UTC-6, Bill Schmoker wrote: > > Hey folks- meant to send yesterday but somehow didn't get this onto the > interwebs. sorry for the day-late post! > > Anyway, I set out to get in a walk and birding yesterday morning before > the heat set in, heading over to the E. Boulder Trail from the Teller Lakes > Trailhead off Valmont Rd. Once there I fell in with Wolf Repass to double > our detection capabilities. > > The place felt more like some prairie reserve in the Midwest than a Front > Range locality- Dickcissels were constantly audible anywhere in the > extensive unmown hay fields along with smatterings of Bobolinks and a > furtive Orchard Oriole along the ditch. > > The long-staying Eastern Meadowlark (eBird records going back to 11 June) > was near the "two tan barns" mentioned by Christine Alexander in her eBird > list from 28 June. This is along the section of trail running N-S, not > along the ditch and waterfall area where many other sightings have been. > The bird was foraging in the newly-mown field just west of the two barns, > which is the first private property encountered east of the trail once it > turns south after leaving the ditch section (or the last private property > along this stretch if you start from the Arapahoe Rd. trailhead.) > > So, to add to the excellent & extensive recent discussions of this bird: > 1) I also heard a singing Eastern Meadowlark, but that detection was a > fair way west of the trail by the two tan barns, near the small prairie dog > town in that direction. It only sang a few times and I didn't record it, > but it was distinctive as others have mentioned and I'm confident in that > ID. > 2) The bird we saw well in the mowed field west of the tan barns was > calling- we never had it sing while it was in view. Hugh Kingery noted the > diagnostic value of meadowlark calls and this bird had a nice buzzy Eastern > call. I was able to record this (and a nearby calling Western for > contrast.) > 3) The bird we saw was carrying food! Very interesting for the > possibilities of nesting there and even better, with who? > 4) So crazy thinking now- maybe the bird we saw was a female and the > singing bird I heard about 100 yards west was a paired male?? Not > asserting that this is the case but not ruling it out either. I didn't > hear the two vocalizations at the same time so another possibility is that > the bird sang farther away and then flew in (though we didn't see this) to > forage while calling. > > Anyway, the call notes & photos of the bird carrying food can be > heard/seen here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S70955701 > > Oh, and nice for Boulder County was a Burrowing Owl perching on the power > lines between HWY 52 & Lookout Road along 95th. I saw one driving down and > again driving home along the same stretch of wire- there's a small prairie > dog town in the field to the West there. If stopping to search or view be > careful along this busy road. I didn't stop to check for more out in the > town, but it was a treat to see the Howdy Owl surveying its domain. > > Enjoy- Bill Schmoker, Longmont > > -- > /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ > Bill Schmoker > <bill.s......> <javascript:> > http://schmoker.org > http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/us-arctic-geotraces > <720/201-5749> > \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ > >
Date: 7/2/20 6:42 pm From: kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Colorado's 350 State Wildlife Areas
As I read the guidance CPW has put out on use of SWA's, I wonder if the idea of simply buying a fishing license to gain access to all the SWA's really works. In their FAQs on this subject there is an entry that reads:"Question: If I have a hunting license does it allow me to engage in any activity I wish on a SWA? Answer: No. All other regulations still apply. It allows you to engage in the outdoor activities authorized for that specific property." (emphasis mine). Many SWA's do not list fishing as an activity authorized on the property.
Chuck Hundertmark, in an earlier post in this thread, suggested: "When questions about policy or intent of the agency arise, the best approach is probably talking to the agency." I think that is an excellent idea, and I'd like to suggest that one or more of our birding organizations (DFO, CFO, Audubon Rockies...) contact CPW to get clarification that they can then disseminate to the birding community.
Keep Smilin',Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe County
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone.
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Date: 7/2/20 12:02 pm From: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...> Subject: [cobirds] CFO hosting online talk from Scott Yanco on Flammulated Owls July 25th
Please save the date to join us on July 25th 7-8 pm MDT on Zoom for Fire, Snow and the Red Queen - How Flammulated Owls Cope with Environmental Change by Scott Yanco, a CFO research grant recipient.
We will also have some brief CFO business that would normally have been addressed at our convention banquet, and a few words from our President, Nick Komar.
We will provide the Zoom link closer to the actual date but just wanted to get the word out for now.
Thanks, Diana Beatty on behalf of CFO Board of Directors
Date: 7/1/20 1:20 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Colorado's 350 State Wildlife Areas
Using the same filter for that Tom used for recreation, if you pick the “Limited Camping” option, Tamarack Ranch SWA shows up. If you go to the map/brochure for Tamarack, however, “hiking, Wildlife Viewing, and Limited Camping” show ups as uses. I take “Bird Watching” to be a subset of “Wildlife Viewing.” I have birded a number of SWAs over the years visiting some of them many times. I have yet to be challenged by a CPW official, though I know that there have been issues for some birders at the northeastern SWAs where a special permit was formerly required.
For SWAs where hunting is the primary purpose at the area, it is probably more important to be aware of hunting seasons that to worry about fines, assuming you purchased a fishing or hunting license. It’s an interesting experience to wake up at Prewitt or Tamarack on the first morning of dove season.
When questions about policy or intent of the agency arise, the best approach is probably talking to the agency.
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Date: 7/1/20 12:09 pm From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Burrowing Owlets Up and Other/Weld
Hi all
Last weekend in my bird journey some nearby Burrowing Owlets have emerged. Photos below.
- Weld CR 59/74 NW - 12+, two families, one middle and one at north end of colony - Weld CR 33 btw 98/100 - 7+, one family, but there is one other family yet to see. Go past red storage container, park, look east to end of area goats are in - Beebe Draw along Weld CR 47 btw 42/44 on west. Small dog colony adjacent to a house-owls closer to north end
Other "fledglings" seen Black-necked Stilt (3 young) at Weld CR 59 marsh; Pronghorn (1 young) near Cornish.
Nunn's Golden and Bald Eagle nesting sites both successful.
On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 11:42:18 AM UTC-6, Tom Wilberding wrote:
>
> Hello birders,
>
> Regarding the new license requirement at SWAs, Barb and I recently bought
> fishing licenses online. We keep them in the glove box of my car, so that
> when we bird at any Colorado SWA we can grab them and carry them, to avoid
> the eventual $139.50 fine. A "Resident Senior Fishing Annual License" cost
> us $9.85 each, so $19.70 for two. We’re happy to contribute this amount to
> the state to maintain Colorado’s beautiful SWAs.
>
>
> The state says that the reason for this new license policy, effective
> today, is to reduce the number of visitors to Colorado SWAs. Too many
> people cause the wildlife to flee. The state says it wants to “protect and
> conserve” wildlife at these spots. (ready for harvest?) 😊
>
>
> So far the state does not say that you have to only hunt or fish when
> visiting an SWA, just carry the annual license. I hope that does not
> change, which would ban birders from SWAs. Hmm. In that case, carry a
> collapsible fishing rod? Here is a map of Colorado’s 350 SWAs:
> https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/WildlifeAreaMap.aspx >
>
>
> BTW, on this map under the "Recreation" tab I checked "Bird watching" and
> the filtered map show only two SWAs. I assume that is an map error.
>
> Here is more info:
> https://theknow.denverpost.com/2020/07/01/colorado-state-wildlife-areas-hunting-fishing-license/241323/ >
>
>
> Good birding,
> Tom Wilberding
>
> Littleton, CO
>
Date: 7/1/20 10:42 am From: Tom Wilberding <twilberding...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado's 350 State Wildlife Areas
Hello birders,
Regarding the new license requirement at SWAs, Barb and I recently bought
fishing licenses online. We keep them in the glove box of my car, so that
when we bird at any Colorado SWA we can grab them and carry them, to avoid
the eventual $139.50 fine. A "Resident Senior Fishing Annual License" cost
us $9.85 each, so $19.70 for two. We’re happy to contribute this amount to
the state to maintain Colorado’s beautiful SWAs.
The state says that the reason for this new license policy, effective
today, is to reduce the number of visitors to Colorado SWAs. Too many
people cause the wildlife to flee. The state says it wants to “protect and
conserve” wildlife at these spots. (ready for harvest?) 😊
So far the state does not say that you have to only hunt or fish when
visiting an SWA, just carry the annual license. I hope that does not
change, which would ban birders from SWAs. Hmm. In that case, carry a
collapsible fishing rod? Here is a map of Colorado’s 350 SWAs:
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/WildlifeAreaMap.aspx
BTW, on this map under the "Recreation" tab I checked "Bird watching" and
the filtered map show only two SWAs. I assume that is an map error.
Date: 6/30/20 12:48 pm From: Bill Schmoker <bill.schmoker...> Subject: [cobirds] Boulder Eastern Meadowlark et al. (the plot thickens...)
Hey folks- meant to send yesterday but somehow didn't get this onto the interwebs. sorry for the day-late post!
Anyway, I set out to get in a walk and birding yesterday morning before the heat set in, heading over to the E. Boulder Trail from the Teller Lakes Trailhead off Valmont Rd. Once there I fell in with Wolf Repass to double our detection capabilities.
The place felt more like some prairie reserve in the Midwest than a Front Range locality- Dickcissels were constantly audible anywhere in the extensive unmown hay fields along with smatterings of Bobolinks and a furtive Orchard Oriole along the ditch.
The long-staying Eastern Meadowlark (eBird records going back to 11 June) was near the "two tan barns" mentioned by Christine Alexander in her eBird list from 28 June. This is along the section of trail running N-S, not along the ditch and waterfall area where many other sightings have been. The bird was foraging in the newly-mown field just west of the two barns, which is the first private property encountered east of the trail once it turns south after leaving the ditch section (or the last private property along this stretch if you start from the Arapahoe Rd. trailhead.)
So, to add to the excellent & extensive recent discussions of this bird: 1) I also heard a singing Eastern Meadowlark, but that detection was a fair way west of the trail by the two tan barns, near the small prairie dog town in that direction. It only sang a few times and I didn't record it, but it was distinctive as others have mentioned and I'm confident in that ID. 2) The bird we saw well in the mowed field west of the tan barns was calling- we never had it sing while it was in view. Hugh Kingery noted the diagnostic value of meadowlark calls and this bird had a nice buzzy Eastern call. I was able to record this (and a nearby calling Western for contrast.) 3) The bird we saw was carrying food! Very interesting for the possibilities of nesting there and even better, with who? 4) So crazy thinking now- maybe the bird we saw was a female and the singing bird I heard about 100 yards west was a paired male?? Not asserting that this is the case but not ruling it out either. I didn't hear the two vocalizations at the same time so another possibility is that the bird sang farther away and then flew in (though we didn't see this) to forage while calling.
Oh, and nice for Boulder County was a Burrowing Owl perching on the power lines between HWY 52 & Lookout Road along 95th. I saw one driving down and again driving home along the same stretch of wire- there's a small prairie dog town in the field to the West there. If stopping to search or view be careful along this busy road. I didn't stop to check for more out in the town, but it was a treat to see the Howdy Owl surveying its domain.
Jack efficiently covers the basics of field identification, and then goes into some of the intriguing side issues: molt, hybrids, and even intersex individuals. Steve then provides a carefully curated and annotated "photo salon" of plumages and seasonal variation likely to be encountered in Colorado (and elsewhere).
Enjoy!
Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder County
[*]I mean, it's cool to try to identify birds even if they don't "count," whatever that means. But hey...
Date: 6/30/20 10:36 am From: Beverly Head <bhead1970...> Subject: [cobirds] marsh wrens this morning by Heinricy Lake
There were 4 or 5 marsh wrens this morning on the Boyd Lake State Park trail half way down the path by Heinricy Lake, their static sound really caught my attention and BirdNET let me know I had the right bird in my sight.
Date: 6/30/20 9:28 am From: 'Karen Axe' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Question about great blue herons
I was reading up on their nesting behavior and apparently the parents feed Them several times a day at the beginning and just before they fledge it’s down to twice a day. I watched them a couple weeks ago and was surprised to see how long the parents left them alone in the nest.
Date: 6/30/20 4:46 am From: Gary Bowen (Thornton) <gewb10026...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Question about great blue herons
I have spent too much time watching GBHs and have seen this behavior numerous times. Hunger is a great motivator - I think the parents do it deliberately. Never fear though as the parents probably aren't too far away and will do a flyby checkup during the day.
Gary Bowen, Thornton
On Monday, June 29, 2020 at 9:13:36 PM UTC-6, Marcia Wade - Lafayette, Boulder County wrote: > > I have a question about great blue herons. At the nest I have been > watching since it was built at Hecla Pond, the parents have apparently > left. I have not seen them for two days. One of the two juveniles can > fly, and the other one not so much. When I went today, there was only one > juvenile in nest, and a little while later, I saw a heron flying around the > island the platform is on.. At first I thought it was one of the parents, > but was disabused of that notion when he crashed into the tree next to the > platform. He proceeded to flap around frantically in the tree trying to > get back to the nest. The other one went to edge of platform and watched > all this attentively, and later I saw him in a tree on the other side of > the platform, but I didn't see whether he hopped or flew there. Eventually > they both got back into the nest. My question is whether the parents would > leave them before they can take care of themselves. Last year, the same (I > assume) parents did not disappear until both babies were flying and could > forage for themselves (I watched them fight over a crawfish one had caught > right after the parents left - it was a hoot). Anybody know the answer? > Thanks in advance. >
Date: 6/29/20 8:13 pm From: Marcia Wade - Lafayette, Boulder County <marciaewade...> Subject: [cobirds] Question about great blue herons
I have a question about great blue herons. At the nest I have been watching since it was built at Hecla Pond, the parents have apparently left. I have not seen them for two days. One of the two juveniles can fly, and the other one not so much. When I went today, there was only one juvenile in nest, and a little while later, I saw a heron flying around the island the platform is on.. At first I thought it was one of the parents, but was disabused of that notion when he crashed into the tree next to the platform. He proceeded to flap around frantically in the tree trying to get back to the nest. The other one went to edge of platform and watched all this attentively, and later I saw him in a tree on the other side of the platform, but I didn't see whether he hopped or flew there. Eventually they both got back into the nest. My question is whether the parents would leave them before they can take care of themselves. Last year, the same (I assume) parents did not disappear until both babies were flying and could forage for themselves (I watched them fight over a crawfish one had caught right after the parents left - it was a hoot). Anybody know the answer? Thanks in advance.
Date: 6/29/20 12:56 am From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins (Larimer) of late
I was out of town for two weeks, got home last Wednesday. Highlights of two visits to Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins since my return are as follows:
Western Tanager - at least one male, suspect it has a mate and they are nesting. Two birds, a male and a female seen on June 10. This is a first for this species this late in June and nesting would also be unprecedented. Earlier in June these birds frequented a honeylocust hosting a large population of Honeylocust Plant Bugs. The male was seen yesterday near this same infested tree. I was interested to see David Suddjian's report of a Western Tanager in a church yard in Littleton recently.
Western Wood-Pewee - one or two singing males. They nest at Grandview about every other year. If there is one bird, it is moving around and appears unattached. If it is two individuals, they may or may not have mates.
Hairy Woodpecker - a male of the mountain race with very little white spotting on the back and wings has been hanging around the entrance above the old stone office. The other day it spent the time of my visit (2+ hours) working on a Norway Maple I suspect has a hollow section of trunk housing carpenter ants.
[cid:513dc65d-64cc-4eeb-93c0-b588be19e43b]
Chipping Sparrow - one pair is nesting, saw one of them bringing a wingless miller to the nest the other day. This is yet another foothills/lower mountain species that nests at Grandview most years in small numbers.
[cid:1ab0e5cf-686f-40d2-b1d9-6c0c2468a388]
Red-tailed Hawk - the nest in the southeast corner fledged two young. They are learning the facts of life from their parents in the City Park area.
No active Broad-tailed or Black-chinned Hummingbird nests that I know of. As reported earlier, the three I knew about all failed. One male hangs out in the yard at the northeast intersection of Mountain Avenue and Grandview Avenue, and I saw one female/immature type in the northeast corner of the cemetery. Not sure what the problem is this year but suspect the April freezes weren't helpful, nor is all the potential predation represented by fox squirrels, common grackles and blue jays. Maybe they will consider 2020 a mostly lost year like it is shaping up to be for us humans.
At least 4 pairs of House Wrens are nesting in the periphery of the cemetery. This is more than I have ever recorded in early summer. If we say an average of 4 young per nest, that's over 20 House Wrens (including the parents) in this rather small area. There have been many years when I detect none.
Have not seen the red-phase Eastern Screech-Owl lately.
Sort of in the theme of mountain birds at low elevation, I had a Cordilleran Flycatcher call twice in my apartment courtyard about 3 miles e of the cemetery day before yesterday. What the heck? Late going up the hill? Early coming down the hill? Regardless, Yard Bird #128.
Date: 6/28/20 3:36 pm From: Leon Bright <urraca2...> Subject: [cobirds] Rufous Hummer behavior, NW Custer County
COBirders- Yesterday two male FOY Rufous Hummingbirds showed up at my feeders more or less on migration time. They followed the usual behavioral pattern of vanguards in that, rather than exhibiting their species' normal activity (i.e. bellicose copper-colored buzz-bombs), they fed amicably alongside the broad-tails. Soon they will move on, to be replaced by more typical male Rufous hummers.
As an aside, we had a pair (m., f.) of Calliopes three weeks ago-for one day only-unusually early for our location. The Broad-Tailed hummers are present in about their regular numbers, about 30+. We are seeing a few fledglings now. In case you are wondering, we buy sugar in 25-pound bags.
Our cabin feeders are at 9,200 ft. in the Sangre de Cristo range.
Leon (and Treva) Bright, Westcliffe / Pueblo-not so much
Date: 6/28/20 9:44 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] Eastern Meadowlark, East Boulder Trail, Boulder Co
Earlier this morning, I rewound the Eastern Meadowlark previously reported by Ted Floyd and widely discussed on Cobirds. This bird was reported as early as June 11 on eBird where it has been more frequently posted than on Cobirds. It has been reported on two separate eBird hotspots as well as at least one personal hotspot.
I walked the East Boulder Trail from the Valmont parking lot/trailhead. (There is also a parking lot/trailhead off of Arapaho.)
As I walked west along the long drainage/irrigation ditch approaching the small falls in the ditch, I heard the bird singing ahead. I spotted it on a post on the north side of the ditch and could easily see the white malar area. The song was higher pitched than that of the Western Meadowlark, and to me seemed to have clearer whistled quality than the Western. I was able to get distant photos, but a passing runner caused the bird to fly into the hay field south of the trail before I could get a recording.
I continued along the trail awhile before turning back. Walking along the ditch, with hay field on either side of the trail was like walking through fields of Dickcissel song. I tallied 9 singing Dickcissels, which I suspect was low. I was also graced with nice looks at a male Bobolink on the trail and occasional Bobolink songs from the field south of the trail. Just after turning south on the trail (the area I have found best for Bobolinks this year and last), a female Bobolink flew to perch on a barbed wire fence. A singing male Bobolink flew to her on the fence, then flew back to the field still singing. From the field, he continued to sing as another male flew up to a trailside Russion olive and began singing.
With the female apparently attentive, both males continued singing, until the bird in the field finally flew up to the Russian olive and sent the other male on his way.
When I approached the cataract on the ditch, I again heard the Eastern Meadowlark singing, this time from the field to the south. This time I was able to get a recording of the bird, though I haven’t yet checked to see how much airplane noise and trail traffic distracts. The bird eventually flew to a cottonwood near the falls where it sang again for awhile before flying northeast into the fields there.
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Date: 6/28/20 9:01 am From: Adam Vesely <avesely22...> Subject: [cobirds] New Brighton/Adams County Reservoir Access
Hi everyone,
Brighton/Adams County recently opened up a nearly 2.5 mile biking/hiking path that connects Ken Mitchell Park to a trailhead near E-470/Brighton Road. I ran this path this morning, and it now offers excellent views of 5 reservoirs that were previously either difficult to view or simply impossible to view. Although it requires some walking, it should provide terrific viewing of gulls, loons, grebes, ducks, and scoters if you're up for it. The majority of the new section also parallels the South Platte River which offers the usual species. I'm looking forward to spending time here this fall!
I don't know if they plan to open additional parking areas, but as of now, park at either Ken Mitchell Park in Brighton and follow the path south, or park at the trailhead just north of E-470/Brighton Road intersection and follow the path north.
The attached image shows the general area with the new path highlighted in red dots.
Date: 6/27/20 3:16 pm From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: [cobirds] Red-eyed Vireo, Least Flycatcher, Adams County
I visited Barr Lake State Park for some socially distant birding with some other CFO birders this morning. We birded the southeast corner of the
Lake, from the banding station to the Gazebo Overlook, a two-mile stretch. It was quite birdy and we recorded over 50 species, many of which were in family groups. The last bird of the morning was a singing Red-eyed Vireo just west of the banding station. I stayed back to record it and thought I heard a ch’bek or two of a Least Flycatcher. When I finally had a chance to listen to my vireo recording, it had picked up at least 5 ch’bek calls. Both of these species are flagged as rare by eBird. I will upload audio to the eBird checklist shortly: https://ebird.org/checklist/S70885567
Nick Komar
Fort Collins
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Date: 6/27/20 1:43 pm From: Courtney Schultz <courtneyschultz30...> Subject: [cobirds] Lewis's Woodpeckers--Larimer County
There is a pair of Lewis's woodpeckers near the Hewlett Gulch trailhead up the Poudre River canyon. They are about 150m down from the structure at the TH, on the right, nesting in a cavity facing the trail in the pair of dead cottonwoods just after the first dead cottonwood.
Date: 6/27/20 10:31 am From: 'Larry Modesitt' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Idaho Springs
Doug,
Joe gives great advice. On the way, there will be Black-headend Grosbeaks and possibly Band-tailed Pigeons (a troop of over 20 come to my feeders in Empire), Warbling Vireos and Wilson’s Warblers. Will you be driving to Idaho Springs/Georgetown? I might have some other suggestions.
Larry Modesitt
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 27, 2020, at 8:13 AM, Joe Roller <jroller9...> wrote:
>
>
> Doug,
> You'll have a lot to cover biking up to Guanella Pass itself and the campground near it on the Georgetown side.
> So if you must find a spot near Idaho SPrings, I'd cruise around the town itself. Hummer feeders?
> COnsider a cruise around Georgetown, but main goal is the PASS, where you'll find habitat and birds
> not easy at lower altitudes. 3 toed woodpecker, rare WW Crossbill and it may take a while to search for
> and find WT Ptarmigan at the pass.
> Good luck.
> Let me know what you checked and saw please.
> Joe Roller, Denver
>
>> On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 5:45 AM Doug <dlschoch...> wrote:
>> Does anyone know of a decent birding spot/trail in close proximity to Idaho Springs? I’m biking Guanella pass tomorrow and was thinking of heading up early to do some birding.
>>
>> Thank you.
>>
>> Doug Schoch
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> --
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>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<70B8BE8A-222E-40EC-911D-F97C405B553C...> >
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Date: 6/27/20 8:46 am From: Mark Chavez <markchavez...> Subject: [cobirds] Western Slope Swans
On my way to the Western Slope, David Starbuck and I had two definite swans flying low and upriver to the east. First impression was Mute Swan. Does anyone out there have any info on identification of these guys? We were approximately 5 miles east of Cameo on 1-70.
Mark Chavez
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Date: 6/27/20 8:39 am From: David Gulbenkian <dgulbenkian...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Hooded Merganser breeding in Colorado / Jeffco (I think)
Hooded Merganser Fledglings Jeffco WRGB
Saw 3 half-sized fledglings sitting on a log at the edge of Tabor Lake in the Wheatridge Greenbelt. Mother sitting placidly next to them on the bank. Considering the huge horde of Cormorants nesting on the island (as well as several pairs of Great Blues and some Night Herons) Tabor Lake must be a hugely productive lake for fish!! Other surprise sighting: a TV headed east over Bass Lake, being chased by a Red-winged. Other nesting behaviour: Rough-winged Swallow entering a hole in the bank of Clear Creek. Couldn't see if mouths were full of food or if they were tidying up a hole for a 2nd brood.
David Gulbenkian Jeffco
On Monday, June 1, 2020 at 8:51:41 PM UTC-6, Dave Cameron wrote: > > I believe I read here recently some speculation as to whether Hooded > Merganser nests and breeds in Colorado. Forgive me if this isn't news.... > But on a bike ride Sunday on the Bear Creek Trail, between Estes and > Kipling (which I'm pretty sure is Jefferson County), we saw a female and > one tiny little chick, both sitting on a log in the middle of the Bear > Creek. This was right off the iron foot bridge/bike bridge about halfway > between Estes and Kipling. No male in sight. There's also a Mallard pair > with 5 new hatchlings. A pair of Muskrats also use this 'pond' by the > bridge. > > Dave Cameron > Denver >
Date: 6/27/20 7:13 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Idaho Springs
Doug,
You'll have a lot to cover biking up to Guanella Pass itself and the
campground near it on the Georgetown side.
So if you must find a spot near Idaho SPrings, I'd cruise around the town
itself. Hummer feeders?
COnsider a cruise around Georgetown, but main goal is the PASS, where
you'll find habitat and birds
not easy at lower altitudes. 3 toed woodpecker, rare WW Crossbill and it
may take a while to search for
and find WT Ptarmigan at the pass.
Good luck.
Let me know what you checked and saw please.
Joe Roller, Denver
On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 5:45 AM Doug <dlschoch...> wrote:
> Does anyone know of a decent birding spot/trail in close proximity to
> Idaho Springs? I’m biking Guanella pass tomorrow and was thinking of
> heading up early to do some birding.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Doug Schoch
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<70B8BE8A-222E-40EC-911D-F97C405B553C...> > .
>
Does anyone know of a decent birding spot/trail in close proximity to Idaho Springs? I’m biking Guanella pass tomorrow and was thinking of heading up early to do some birding.
Thank you.
Doug Schoch
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 6/26/20 10:02 pm From: Pablo Quezada <quezadapablo05...> Subject: [cobirds] Grand Junction
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone was interested in carpooling to Grand Junction next week. I have money to pay for gas and live just off I-70 near it’s intersection with I-76.
Thanks,
Pablo Quezada
Denver,
Co
Date: 6/26/20 7:26 pm From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?
Hello everyone . . . to my ears, Ted, the bird sounds just right for Eastern (honest-to-God) Meadowlark . . .
I don't hear any downslurring at the end that is (apparently) associated with lilianae.
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 1:00 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?
Hey, all.
Hannah Floyd and I caught up yesterday evening, Thurs., June 25, with the eastern meadowlark that's been summering at Teller Farms, Boulder County. Conditions were trying, with a steady west wind (a dry squall was passing), eccentric lighting, and the various noises associated with that infernal ditch. Nevertheless, we succeeded in obtaining audio, video, and photos of the bird.
Based on various details of plumage and song, I wonder if this meadowlark is a Lilian's meadowlark, Sturnella magna lilianae (=S. lilianae, a full species, by some authorities).
Any thoughts on that?
And here's a thought we'll all agree on: Whatever it is, the bird sings a bright, beautiful song! At the exact same bend in the trail as the meadowlark, listen for Dickcissels and Bobolinks. They're there with the meadowlark--and less taxonomically vexing.
Date: 6/26/20 6:10 pm From: Ron <rowest...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Tent camping in Baca County
Tom, et al, Re: maps. There are two statewide, back road atlases that I
highly recommend: Benchmark Maps' Colorado Road and Recreation Atlas or
DeLorne's Colorado Atlas and Gazetteer. These are invaluable for
"wilderness" birders, and either one is well worth the $20 to $30.
Especially in the eastern grasslands and on the Western Slope, wherever
public land is shown -- USFS grassland or BLM -- car camping is allowed.
FYI Cheers, Ron
On Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 10:24:24 PM UTC-6, Tom Wilberding wrote:
>
> The CFO website mentions Cottonwood Canyon in Baca County: “A visit here
> will seldom leave a birder disappointed!”
> https://cobirds.org/CountyBirding/County/BySite.aspx?SiteID=36 >
>
>
> Barb and I second that opinion. We spent two nights there this week and
> enjoyed the birds and wilderness very much, worth the six hour drive from
> Littleton. Here is a five minute account of our trip. No rarities, but if
> you are thinking of visiting Baca County, you may benefit from our
> experience.
>
>
>
> My goal was to see and photograph birds, and to photograph the Milky Way
> for the first time, which requires a camera, a tripod, a
> clear-dark-moonless sky, and insomnia. The eastern prairie of Colorado has
> no big cities, so dark skies are possible.
>
>
>
> Baca County, Colorado’s most southeastern county next to Kansas and
> Oklahoma, has a website that recommends camping at Carrizo Canyon Picnic
> Area, so we headed there. At 3 PM we arrived and found no people and only
> three picnic tables for camping, and an outhouse. A sign declared the park
> was closed for camping due to the pandemic, the outhouse locked. What now?
> We hiked the Carrizo one-mile trial in 94-degree heat while thinking what
> to do next. The trail was blocked in two spots due to high water in the
> canyon, but we saw a couple of eastern phoebes as consolation.
>
>
>
> The sign at Carrizo mentioned in fine print that “dispersed camping” was
> allowed on the Comanche National Grasslands nearby. But the grasslands are
> a patchwork. What is private ranch and what is public grasslands in that
> vast area? You would need a map; but we didn’t have one, nor cell phone
> service or internet.
>
>
>
> I had read that “primitive camping” was allowed at Cottonwood Canyon,
> about seven miles to the west, and that Cottonwood Canyon had many
> interesting birds, so we decided to camp there, come what may. We are not
> expert campers. We have enjoyed several camping trips to state park
> campgrounds that had a host, picnic tables, fire rings, water, and
> bathrooms. But primitive camping? No host, no picnic table, no fire ring,
> no water, and no bathroom.
>
>
>
> We felt okay about the prospect of primitive camping except for the
> no-bathroom part, but we did bring a small shovel and toilet paper along
> just in case. I learned on this trip that you’re supposed to dig a hole
> then poop in the hole. You don’t do the opposite—poop then dig the hole.
> Women seem to instinctively understand this. Me—live and learn—I had to
> clean the shovel!
>
>
>
> We drove down into remote Cottonwood Canyon, miles from nowhere, and saw a
> large sign on the side of the dirt road where the primitive camping was
> supposed to be: “Private Property.” It was riddled with bullet holes. Now
> what to do? The sign did not read “No Camping” so we decided to look for a
> shady spot near Cottonwood Creek that was hidden from the road and take our
> chances in case the sign meant “no camping” after all. Always an adventure!
>
>
>
> We set up our tent, then relaxed in our camp chairs above the creek. (No
> campfire due to a county ban.) Birds serenaded us one by one, as if on cue:
> canyon wren, yellow warbler, plumbeous vireo, ash-throated flycatcher,
> yellow-breasted chat, blue grosbeak, ladder-backed woodpecker, Chihuahuan
> ravens, Mississippi Kites, mourning doves, and others whose calls or songs
> I couldn’t identify. Then came fireflies blinking in the reeds and all
> around us, then bats twittering next to the canyon walls, then frogs
> thrumming, then distant coyotes yipping, and a couple of hours after
> sunset, the Milky Way and endless stars in the dark sky.
>
>
>
> It felt remarkable to be in such a remote area only about six hours from
> Denver. Our own wilderness kingdom--no people, litter (well a little, but
> we cleaned it up), traffic, lights, airplane noise, fracking equipment,
> wind farms, phone, internet, Trump news, covid, or covid news. And no
> mountain lions or bears and very few mosquitoes. Felt like paradise.
>
>
>
> The night was cloudy, but at 11 pm the sky cleared a bit and I took a few
> Milky Way photos then turned in after our long and eventful day.
>
>
>
> A chilly sunrise at 5:30 am, but at 5 am the dawn chorus of birds started
> and remained in force for over an hour. I think a dozen birds joined in,
> but I believe two competing yellow-breasted chats could create a dawn
> chorus all by themselves. A yellow-billed cuckoo landed on a branch above
> our tent and cuckoo’d for a while before we emerged for the day.
>
>
>
> After breakfast we drove a 30-mile loop south by a few ranches and saw
> from the road red-headed woodpeckers, a golden eagle, more kites, a
> northern mockingbird, and various sparrows. After a picnic lunch we
> returned to camp to watch rain clouds come in. When the thunder and
> downpour let up, we enjoyed dinner then took a walk along the canyon and
> creek, hoping to hear an owl but settled for seeing a beautiful male summer
> tanager.
>
>
>
> Tuesday morning another dawn chorus, this time with an owl and distant cow
> joining in. We had breakfast, took another walk, saw a couple of Bewick’s
> wrens and an indigo bunting. It was time to pack up the tent and start the
> long drive home.
>
>
>
> Barb said our 90-degree car smelled like a Waste Management garbage truck
> with compressed trash and dirty laundry. Oh well, pack it in, pack it out.
> Highlights on our way home were seeing a curve-billed thrasher in a field
> of cholla cactus and enjoying a chocolate sundae from the McDonald’s drive
> thru in La Junta.
>
>
>
> It was a great adventure. Thanks to Barb for her love, sharp eyes, and
> logistical management. Glad to return home to a shower and bed.
>
>
>
> Here is our route from Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area to where we camped at
> Cottonwood Canyon, called by Google Maps “Kim Reorganized 88.” Zoom out to
> see the whole area and state. Click on the 3D button to the right to see
> canyon walls. https://goo.gl/maps/E4KnWxanGAQ1HejA9 >
>
>
> 30 photos from our trip. Scroll down each photo a little for caption, and
> click right arrow for next photo:
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/twilberding/50041771501/in/album-72157714850044377/ >
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tom Wilberding
>
> Littleton, Colorado
>
Date: 6/26/20 5:02 pm From: kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Lesser Goldfinch, west Centennial, Arapahoe County
Hello Fellow Birders,
A black-backed male Lesser Goldfinch just deigned to grace my little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe with his presence a few minutes ago. Not the first time I've seen a Lesser here, but rare enough to warrant reporting.
Keep Smilin',Kevin Corwin
west Centennial, Arapahoe County
Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Date: 6/26/20 2:47 pm From: Christian Nunes <pajaroboy...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?
Hi Ted,
I think the Teller Farm Eastern Meadowlark is a fine old Sturnella magna magna ("Eastern" Eastern). The song is high pitched (averaging around 4 kHz vs. 3-3.5 on Lillian's), the thing has midnight black head stripes and kerchief, and the view of the tail feathers that we get in your video taken from behind the bird (dorsal surface of tail) shows dark webs on the two inner tail feathers that should be all white on Lillian's.
A checklist with some tracks of what I IDed as a Lillian's on Gunbarrel Hill, Boulder County, in 2018. I think the song stands out as being quite distinct from the "king of the earth" song of nominate Easterns: https://ebird.org/checklist/S46522659
Then there was this one that I found back in June 2013: https://ebird.org/checklist/S14388107 I'll be adding the videos mentioned in the comments to the checklist here shortly, but it might take them a while to process. The skinny is that it is a S. magna magna that sings a high-pitched Eastern song, but had no problem switching to a bubbly Western Meadowlark song when it wanted. The clincher from the ID standpoint was that it called like an Eastern. As Nathan Pieplow might tell you, meadowlarks can learn each others' songs, but the calls are innate.
One more anecdote that I have observed on the Teller Farm Eastern. It's in an irrigated hay field. It's the kind of place one might expect to observe a S. magna magna back east. It's far from the dry grasslands inhabited by Lillian's. The Lillian's on Gunbarrel Hill was in a weedy patch of pasture grasses and thistles amongst a prairie dog colony. Good for Westerns and Lillian's. You may note a distinct grass in the 2013 Eastern videos- that's New Mexican Feather Grass. In good years it produces a distinct tall structure that can be seen from miles away. I think that's what drew it into that area among the matrix of short-stature mixed-grass prairie in the surrounding landscape.
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 2:00 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?
Hey, all.
Hannah Floyd and I caught up yesterday evening, Thurs., June 25, with the eastern meadowlark that's been summering at Teller Farms, Boulder County. Conditions were trying, with a steady west wind (a dry squall was passing), eccentric lighting, and the various noises associated with that infernal ditch. Nevertheless, we succeeded in obtaining audio, video, and photos of the bird.
Based on various details of plumage and song, I wonder if this meadowlark is a Lilian's meadowlark, Sturnella magna lilianae (=S. lilianae, a full species, by some authorities).
Any thoughts on that?
And here's a thought we'll all agree on: Whatever it is, the bird sings a bright, beautiful song! At the exact same bend in the trail as the meadowlark, listen for Dickcissels and Bobolinks. They're there with the meadowlark--and less taxonomically vexing.
Hi Cobirds,
Chris Petrizzo and I birded a few places around Boulder today, with one highlight being the Cherryvale Trailhead area. In the nearby grassy fields, especially between there and Hwy 36, we saw at least 14 Bobolinks. At one point I had five in one binocular view. Chris also saw a couple of Dickcissels. Other fun birds there included singing Savannah Sparrows, singing and winnowing Wilson's Snipe, and a flyover Wilson's Phalarope.
Note that if you walk along Cherryvale Rd itself, there are some spots with a LOT of poison ivy.
Peter RuprechtSuperior
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Date: 6/26/20 11:42 am From: Mindy Hetrick <prairiepal7...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Rocky Mountain Arsenal- Grasshopper and Cassin's Sparrow galore and a Bull Snake/Oriole predation event. Oh My!
Sure hope you can post to Ebird. Great list and documentation is welcome
since a formal BBS did not occur. Breakfast looks yummy!
On Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 6:30:25 PM UTC-6, Charlie Chase wrote:
>
> Celebrating my friend Bryce's 72nd BDay started with an Arsenal run, then
> sourdough blackberry pancakes for very late brunch. We birded many areas
> along 64th, then the auto tour loop. Lots of traffic on road and trails, no
> masks in evidence or any attempt at social distancing except our little
> group. There about 4 hours.
>
> The morning started surprisingly with 8 territorial male Cassin's
> Sparrow's singing on both sides of the road near the first porta-lets and
> continuing to the entrance to the refuge. Horned Larks also presented in
> numbers which is also surprising. There was a great mix of songbirds along
> the 64th from the visitor center to where the road turns left (north) from
> 64th. Highlights include Grasshopper Sparrows calling immediately by the
> road at Mile Marker 4 and near MM5, Blue Grosbeaks at Lake Ladore and 64th
> and near MM3, a rock wren making enough racket to wake the dead on the dike
> at Lower Derby, lots of young of many species including Western Wood-Pewee,
> Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks, young and adult groups of Lark Sparrows,
> grackle families mixed with starling gangs, It was pretty warm by the time
> we got to the northern end of the Auto Loop and Burrowing Owl territory.
> No hits but on the way out just past the exit from the Bison area
> eagle-eyed Lisa spotted a young Great Horned Owl sitting in the shade under
> a tree trying very hard to look like a cat. Great fun. 58 species. A few
> documentary photos made but all on antique I-phones so not worth posting.
> So you get a breakfast picture instead.
>
> We watched a Bullocks Oriole nest predation from start to finish. We were
> attracted to a cacophony of Orioles in a cottonwood. As we got closer, I
> could see the birds mobbing something. A little closer and I could see a
> snake crawling along a branch about 10' up in a large Plains Cottonwood.
> Despite repeated strikes to the body and head, it kept working its ways
> along and around a variety of branches till it found the nest.. Without a
> pause, it entered head first into the nest and about 6-8 inches of its body
> went in with the orioles screaming and striking at it. Approx. 7 minutes
> later it backed out of the nest and proceeded to find its way back up the
> branch and away. The orioles keep up their cacophony throughout until it
> completely left the area. In addition to 6-8 orioles, mostly males, a Downy
> Woodpecker, Blue Jay and Warbling Vireo joined the fracas. Cowbirds were
> also in the area but didn’t join in. The Colorado Bullsnake (Piuophis
> catenifer sayi) was nearly 3 feet long, and moved very methodically as it
> searched out the nest then sought a retreat route. When we returned about
> 10 minutes later, all was quiet and no Orioles approached the nest for at
> least the next 10 minutes.
>
> Charlie Chase
> Denver
>
> [image: IMG_7400.JPG]
>
>
Date: 6/26/20 11:01 am From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?
Hey, all.
Hannah Floyd and I caught up yesterday evening, Thurs., June 25, with the *eastern meadowlark* that's been summering at Teller Farms, Boulder County. Conditions were trying, with a steady west wind (a dry squall was passing), eccentric lighting, and the various noises associated with that infernal ditch. Nevertheless, we succeeded in obtaining audio, video, and photos of the bird.
Based on various details of plumage and song, I wonder if this meadowlark is a Lilian's meadowlark, *Sturnella magna lilianae* (=*S. lilianae*, a full species, by some authorities).
Any thoughts on that?
And here's a thought we'll all agree on: Whatever it is, the bird sings a bright, beautiful song! At the exact same bend in the trail as the meadowlark, listen for Dickcissels and Bobolinks. They're there with the meadowlark--and less taxonomically vexing.
Date: 6/26/20 9:08 am From: Chuck Aid <caid...> Subject: [cobirds] Scissor-tail
I’m being purposely vague about location, and just sending this as an interesting FYI. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen (not by me) Thursday, June 25 near the intersection of CO-199 and US-6 in Clear Creek Canyon.
Chuck Aid
Evergreen, CO
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Date: 6/26/20 7:24 am From: jim thompson <irenevt724...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Tent camping in Baca County
[image: fullsizeoutput_f1b.jpeg]
This is the guy we had when camping down there......... jat
On Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 10:24:24 PM UTC-6, Tom Wilberding wrote:
>
> The CFO website mentions Cottonwood Canyon in Baca County: “A visit here
> will seldom leave a birder disappointed!”
> https://cobirds.org/CountyBirding/County/BySite.aspx?SiteID=36 >
>
>
> Barb and I second that opinion. We spent two nights there this week and
> enjoyed the birds and wilderness very much, worth the six hour drive from
> Littleton. Here is a five minute account of our trip. No rarities, but if
> you are thinking of visiting Baca County, you may benefit from our
> experience.
>
>
>
> My goal was to see and photograph birds, and to photograph the Milky Way
> for the first time, which requires a camera, a tripod, a
> clear-dark-moonless sky, and insomnia. The eastern prairie of Colorado has
> no big cities, so dark skies are possible.
>
>
>
> Baca County, Colorado’s most southeastern county next to Kansas and
> Oklahoma, has a website that recommends camping at Carrizo Canyon Picnic
> Area, so we headed there. At 3 PM we arrived and found no people and only
> three picnic tables for camping, and an outhouse. A sign declared the park
> was closed for camping due to the pandemic, the outhouse locked. What now?
> We hiked the Carrizo one-mile trial in 94-degree heat while thinking what
> to do next. The trail was blocked in two spots due to high water in the
> canyon, but we saw a couple of eastern phoebes as consolation.
>
>
>
> The sign at Carrizo mentioned in fine print that “dispersed camping” was
> allowed on the Comanche National Grasslands nearby. But the grasslands are
> a patchwork. What is private ranch and what is public grasslands in that
> vast area? You would need a map; but we didn’t have one, nor cell phone
> service or internet.
>
>
>
> I had read that “primitive camping” was allowed at Cottonwood Canyon,
> about seven miles to the west, and that Cottonwood Canyon had many
> interesting birds, so we decided to camp there, come what may. We are not
> expert campers. We have enjoyed several camping trips to state park
> campgrounds that had a host, picnic tables, fire rings, water, and
> bathrooms. But primitive camping? No host, no picnic table, no fire ring,
> no water, and no bathroom.
>
>
>
> We felt okay about the prospect of primitive camping except for the
> no-bathroom part, but we did bring a small shovel and toilet paper along
> just in case. I learned on this trip that you’re supposed to dig a hole
> then poop in the hole. You don’t do the opposite—poop then dig the hole.
> Women seem to instinctively understand this. Me—live and learn—I had to
> clean the shovel!
>
>
>
> We drove down into remote Cottonwood Canyon, miles from nowhere, and saw a
> large sign on the side of the dirt road where the primitive camping was
> supposed to be: “Private Property.” It was riddled with bullet holes. Now
> what to do? The sign did not read “No Camping” so we decided to look for a
> shady spot near Cottonwood Creek that was hidden from the road and take our
> chances in case the sign meant “no camping” after all. Always an adventure!
>
>
>
> We set up our tent, then relaxed in our camp chairs above the creek. (No
> campfire due to a county ban.) Birds serenaded us one by one, as if on cue:
> canyon wren, yellow warbler, plumbeous vireo, ash-throated flycatcher,
> yellow-breasted chat, blue grosbeak, ladder-backed woodpecker, Chihuahuan
> ravens, Mississippi Kites, mourning doves, and others whose calls or songs
> I couldn’t identify. Then came fireflies blinking in the reeds and all
> around us, then bats twittering next to the canyon walls, then frogs
> thrumming, then distant coyotes yipping, and a couple of hours after
> sunset, the Milky Way and endless stars in the dark sky.
>
>
>
> It felt remarkable to be in such a remote area only about six hours from
> Denver. Our own wilderness kingdom--no people, litter (well a little, but
> we cleaned it up), traffic, lights, airplane noise, fracking equipment,
> wind farms, phone, internet, Trump news, covid, or covid news. And no
> mountain lions or bears and very few mosquitoes. Felt like paradise.
>
>
>
> The night was cloudy, but at 11 pm the sky cleared a bit and I took a few
> Milky Way photos then turned in after our long and eventful day.
>
>
>
> A chilly sunrise at 5:30 am, but at 5 am the dawn chorus of birds started
> and remained in force for over an hour. I think a dozen birds joined in,
> but I believe two competing yellow-breasted chats could create a dawn
> chorus all by themselves. A yellow-billed cuckoo landed on a branch above
> our tent and cuckoo’d for a while before we emerged for the day.
>
>
>
> After breakfast we drove a 30-mile loop south by a few ranches and saw
> from the road red-headed woodpeckers, a golden eagle, more kites, a
> northern mockingbird, and various sparrows. After a picnic lunch we
> returned to camp to watch rain clouds come in. When the thunder and
> downpour let up, we enjoyed dinner then took a walk along the canyon and
> creek, hoping to hear an owl but settled for seeing a beautiful male summer
> tanager.
>
>
>
> Tuesday morning another dawn chorus, this time with an owl and distant cow
> joining in. We had breakfast, took another walk, saw a couple of Bewick’s
> wrens and an indigo bunting. It was time to pack up the tent and start the
> long drive home.
>
>
>
> Barb said our 90-degree car smelled like a Waste Management garbage truck
> with compressed trash and dirty laundry. Oh well, pack it in, pack it out.
> Highlights on our way home were seeing a curve-billed thrasher in a field
> of cholla cactus and enjoying a chocolate sundae from the McDonald’s drive
> thru in La Junta.
>
>
>
> It was a great adventure. Thanks to Barb for her love, sharp eyes, and
> logistical management. Glad to return home to a shower and bed.
>
>
>
> Here is our route from Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area to where we camped at
> Cottonwood Canyon, called by Google Maps “Kim Reorganized 88.” Zoom out to
> see the whole area and state. Click on the 3D button to the right to see
> canyon walls. https://goo.gl/maps/E4KnWxanGAQ1HejA9 >
>
>
> 30 photos from our trip. Scroll down each photo a little for caption, and
> click right arrow for next photo:
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/twilberding/50041771501/in/album-72157714850044377/ >
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tom Wilberding
>
> Littleton, Colorado
>
At least on cobirds people including me would say where exactly they saw a given species-for instance Rabbit Mountain is a rather large area so nice pics of a Blue Grosbeak are great but where were these pics taken on Rabbit Mountain? Some of us or maybe just me who are still working don’t have the time to wander around this area aimlessly-I don’t mean to single out this example but how great are all these ebird results for the average birder-agh citizen science you say -so be it.. Bill Fink Longmont
Date: 6/25/20 5:19 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] House Wren makes ultimate sacrifice, Boulder Co
In recent weeks, I have become obsessed with making smartphone recordings of birds (good move). To focus on sound recordings, I have been leaving my camera home (bummer of a choice). This morning, after considering birding closer to home, I decided to bird Joder Ranch, beginning at the Buckingham Park lot (good decision). After a pleasant morning birding with only a few others on the trail, I returned to my truck feeling good about getting 10 recordings.
At the parking lot, a scolding House Wren voice caught my attention. Following the sound, I spotted the wren about 30 feet up in a cottonwood snag. The wren was moving from branch to branch in an agitated manner close to a cavity in the cottonwood. I figured the bird was near its nest cavity and perhaps gathering insects to feed young. I kept waiting for the bird to go to the cavity, but instead it seemed to circle the area of the cavity, moving about with great agitation.
When the bird moved higher in the snag, I suddenly saw the source of the agitation. Hanging from a fork in the snag was about a one-foot length of a good size gopher snake. The head and front of the gopher snake were hidden within a second cavity about 6-8 inches above the first. About that time, I noticed a second agitated House Wren also scolding and dancing around the snag in agitation. As I watched, the wrens repeatedly struck the snake on its body where it disappeared into the nest. Realizing the gigantic mistake of not at least putting the camera in the truck, I decided to at least capture an audio recording. The situation was not favorable for audio, with Left Hand Creek roaring in the background and picnickers reveling. Nevertheless, I got a recording and fortuitously, two Lesser Goldfinches showed up to join briefly in the mobbing.
I then made a futile effort to get a smartphone photo of the events. At some point between recording and photographing, I looked up with binoculars to see a wren tail on top of the snake disappear into the cavity. From that point on, there was only one scolding wren, and I concluded that one of the distressed parents had attempted to attack the snake in the cavity.
I noticed at a few points that the snake’s body bulged in the area just outside the nest cavity. When the snake finally emerged from the cavity, there was a prominent bulge behind the head. I was familiar with this phenomenon from an experience many years ago in New Mexico when I was wading in a wetland checking waterfowl nests. I found a coot nest with eggs and resting on the nest was a gopher snake. While I watched, the snake slowly opened its mouth wide and engulfed an egg. As the snake swallowed the egg, a bulge moved along its body. At some point there was a contraction of the body, and the bulge elongated. The snake repeated the process many times as it dined on the eggs.
When the snake at the wren nest pulled out of the nest, it hung for a few minutes while the remaining adult wren continued to scold and attack. At one point, the snake lunged with mouth open at the wren. The wren escaped.
Just as I thought the drama was over, the snake reentered the nest and remained for several minutes before making a final withdrawal. It then rested in the fork of the snag.
My feeble efforts to capture this drama in photos and recording are included in this eBird list. https://ebird.org/checklist/S70811931 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S70811931> Gopher snakes appear to be efficient predators on bird nests. On another occasion during the second Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas field season, I was working the Fort Morgan block. At Riverside Park, I heard a great commotion of scolding Red-winged Blackbirds. When I walked to the edge of the dense cattails, I found one male
red-wing scolding a gopher snake that was partly in a nest in the cattails. For several minutes, I followed along the shore as the scolding moved through the cattails. From time to time, I could glimpse the snake glide up into a nest, then on to the next.
Occasionally when we bird, we see the face of the struggle for survival.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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Date: 6/25/20 4:57 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] House Wren makes ultimate sacrifice, Boulder Co
In recent weeks, I have become obsessed with making smartphone recordings of birds (good move). To focus on sound recordings, I have been leaving my camera home (bummer of a choice). This morning, after considering birding closer to home, I decided to bird Joder Ranch, beginning at the Buckingham Park lot (good decision). After a pleasant morning birding with only a few others on the trail, I returned to my truck feeling good about getting 10 recordings.
At the parking lot, a scolding House Wren voice caught my attention. Following the sound, I spotted the wren about 30 feet up in a cottonwood snag. The wren was moving from branch to branch in an agitated manner close to a cavity in the cottonwood. I figured the bird was near its nest cavity and perhaps gathering insects to feed young. I kept waiting for the bird to go to the cavity, but instead it seemed to circle the area of the cavity, moving about with great agitation.
When the bird moved higher in the snag, I suddenly saw the source of the agitation. Hanging from a fork in the snag was about a one-foot length of a good size gopher snake, The head and front of the gopher snake were hidden within a second cavity about 6-8 inches above the first cavity. About that time, I noticed a second agitated House Wren also scolding and dancing around the snag in agitation. As I watched, the wrens repeated struck the snake on its body where it disappeared into the nest. Realizing the gigantic mistake of not at least putting the camera in the truck, I decided to at least capture an audio recording. The situation was not favorable for audio, with Left Hand Creek roaring in the background and picnickers reveling. Nevertheless, I got a recording and fortuitously, two Lesser Goldfinches showed up to join briefly in the mobbing.
I then made a futile effort to get a smartphone photo of the events. At some point between recording and photographing, I looked up with binoculars to see a wren tail on top of the snake disappear into the cavity. From that point on, there was only one scolding wren, and I concluded that one of the distressed parents had attempted to attack the snake in the cavity.
I noticed at a few points that the snake’s body bulged in the area just outside the nest cavity. When the snake finally emerged from the cavity, there was a prominent bulge behind the head. I was familiar with this phenomenon from an experience many years ago in New Mexico when i was wading in a wetland checking waterfowl nests. I found a coot nest with eggs and resting on the nest was a gopher snake. While I watched, the snake slowly open its mouth wide and engulf an egg. As the snake swallowed the egg, a bulge moved along its body. at some point there was a contraction of the body, and the bulge elongated. The snake repeated the process many times as it dined on the eggs.
When the snake at the wren nest pulled out of the nest, it hung for a few minutes while the remaining adult wren continued to scold and attack. At one point, the snake lunged with mouth open at the wren. The wren escaped.
Just as I thought the drama was over, the snake reentered the nest and remained for several minutes before making a finally withdrawal. It then rested in the fork of the snag.
Gopher snakes appear to be efficient predators on bird nests. On another occasion during the second Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas field season, I was working the Fort Morgan block. At Riverside Park, I heard a great commotion of scolding Red-winged Blackbirds. When I walked to the edge of the dense cattails, I found one male
red-wing socking a gopher snake that was partly in a nest in the cattails. For several minutes, I followed along the shore as the scolding moved through the cattails. From time to time, I could glimpse the snake glide up into a nest, then on to the next.
From time to time when we bird, we see the face of the struggle for survival.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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Date: 6/25/20 11:07 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] Dickcissels along East Boulder Trail, Boulder Co
Continuing Mark Miller’s theme of Dickcissels and Bobolinks, I walked part of the East Boulder Trail a little after 4:30 p.m. yesterday to record Dickcissels. I lucked out with at least 6 Dickcissels singing along the the irrigation/drainage ditch that runs west/east between two large hay meadows. I also heard one Bobolink. There are often up to three in this area.
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Date: 6/25/20 10:10 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: [cobirds] Larimer County Ovenbirds
This morning I heard two different ovenbirds singing “teacher-teacher-teacher” in Buckhorn Canyon along CR44H (dirt road) within 3 miles of the turn off from Stove Prairie Road, west of Masonville. This is the road to Pennock Pass. The ovenbirds were singing from the hillside on the south side of the road, in spruce-fir habitat
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
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Date: 6/25/20 9:41 am From: snowy.owlets <snowy.owlets...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Dickcissel and Bobolinks Hygiene (Boulder) 6/26
Dan et al.,These birds were east of US 36, not US 26, which is in Wyoming. They were west of the St. Vrain bridge, and they were seen on 6/25. Hope that clears up any confusion. MarkSent via the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Daniel O'Donnell <djod...> Date: 6/25/20 10:10 (GMT-07:00) To: <snowy.owlets...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Dickcissel and Bobolinks Hygiene (Boulder) 6/26 Thanks for the tip! Was it US36 and not US26? I’m not sure where 26 would be. DanDan (from iPhone)On Jun 25, 2020, at 09:04, snowy.owlets <snowy.owlets...> wrote:Hi Everyone, I took a drive down Hygiene Road from US 26 east to 75th this morning 6/26. The grass south of the road and east of St Vrain Creek had some fun birds, including a singing Dickcissel, two singing Bobolinks, a singing but invisible Grasshopper Sparrow, and an Eastern Kingbird. A Wilson's Snipe was singing from a fencepost a half mile or so west of there. I also made a dawn visit to Apple Valley Road near Lyons. Chats and catbirds were singing away, and the natural amphitheater acoustics with the morning light were impressive.Mark Miller Longmont, CO/Lake Oswego, OR Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
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Date: 6/25/20 8:04 am From: snowy.owlets <snowy.owlets...> Subject: [cobirds] Dickcissel and Bobolinks Hygiene (Boulder) 6/26
Hi Everyone, I took a drive down Hygiene Road from US 26 east to 75th this morning 6/26. The grass south of the road and east of St Vrain Creek had some fun birds, including a singing Dickcissel, two singing Bobolinks, a singing but invisible Grasshopper Sparrow, and an Eastern Kingbird. A Wilson's Snipe was singing from a fencepost a half mile or so west of there. I also made a dawn visit to Apple Valley Road near Lyons. Chats and catbirds were singing away, and the natural amphitheater acoustics with the morning light were impressive.Mark Miller Longmont, CO/Lake Oswego, OR Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
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Date: 6/25/20 6:53 am From: Lori Pivonka <lori.pivonka...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: CFO non-discrimination policy and statement now online
Well said Nick!
Hope all is well in your world.
Best Regards, Lots
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 24, 2020, at 12:32 PM, 'The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote: >
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Barb and I second that opinion. We spent two nights there this week and
enjoyed the birds and wilderness very much, worth the six hour drive from
Littleton. Here is a five minute account of our trip. No rarities, but if
you are thinking of visiting Baca County, you may benefit from our
experience.
My goal was to see and photograph birds, and to photograph the Milky Way
for the first time, which requires a camera, a tripod, a
clear-dark-moonless sky, and insomnia. The eastern prairie of Colorado has
no big cities, so dark skies are possible.
Baca County, Colorado’s most southeastern county next to Kansas and
Oklahoma, has a website that recommends camping at Carrizo Canyon Picnic
Area, so we headed there. At 3 PM we arrived and found no people and only
three picnic tables for camping, and an outhouse. A sign declared the park
was closed for camping due to the pandemic, the outhouse locked. What now?
We hiked the Carrizo one-mile trial in 94-degree heat while thinking what
to do next. The trail was blocked in two spots due to high water in the
canyon, but we saw a couple of eastern phoebes as consolation.
The sign at Carrizo mentioned in fine print that “dispersed camping” was
allowed on the Comanche National Grasslands nearby. But the grasslands are
a patchwork. What is private ranch and what is public grasslands in that
vast area? You would need a map; but we didn’t have one, nor cell phone
service or internet.
I had read that “primitive camping” was allowed at Cottonwood Canyon, about
seven miles to the west, and that Cottonwood Canyon had many interesting
birds, so we decided to camp there, come what may. We are not expert
campers. We have enjoyed several camping trips to state park campgrounds
that had a host, picnic tables, fire rings, water, and bathrooms. But
primitive camping? No host, no picnic table, no fire ring, no water, and no
bathroom.
We felt okay about the prospect of primitive camping except for the
no-bathroom part, but we did bring a small shovel and toilet paper along
just in case. I learned on this trip that you’re supposed to dig a hole
then poop in the hole. You don’t do the opposite—poop then dig the hole.
Women seem to instinctively understand this. Me—live and learn—I had to
clean the shovel!
We drove down into remote Cottonwood Canyon, miles from nowhere, and saw a
large sign on the side of the dirt road where the primitive camping was
supposed to be: “Private Property.” It was riddled with bullet holes. Now
what to do? The sign did not read “No Camping” so we decided to look for a
shady spot near Cottonwood Creek that was hidden from the road and take our
chances in case the sign meant “no camping” after all. Always an adventure!
We set up our tent, then relaxed in our camp chairs above the creek. (No
campfire due to a county ban.) Birds serenaded us one by one, as if on cue:
canyon wren, yellow warbler, plumbeous vireo, ash-throated flycatcher,
yellow-breasted chat, blue grosbeak, ladder-backed woodpecker, Chihuahuan
ravens, Mississippi Kites, mourning doves, and others whose calls or songs
I couldn’t identify. Then came fireflies blinking in the reeds and all
around us, then bats twittering next to the canyon walls, then frogs
thrumming, then distant coyotes yipping, and a couple of hours after
sunset, the Milky Way and endless stars in the dark sky.
It felt remarkable to be in such a remote area only about six hours from
Denver. Our own wilderness kingdom--no people, litter (well a little, but
we cleaned it up), traffic, lights, airplane noise, fracking equipment,
wind farms, phone, internet, Trump news, covid, or covid news. And no
mountain lions or bears and very few mosquitoes. Felt like paradise.
The night was cloudy, but at 11 pm the sky cleared a bit and I took a few
Milky Way photos then turned in after our long and eventful day.
A chilly sunrise at 5:30 am, but at 5 am the dawn chorus of birds started
and remained in force for over an hour. I think a dozen birds joined in,
but I believe two competing yellow-breasted chats could create a dawn
chorus all by themselves. A yellow-billed cuckoo landed on a branch above
our tent and cuckoo’d for a while before we emerged for the day.
After breakfast we drove a 30-mile loop south by a few ranches and saw from
the road red-headed woodpeckers, a golden eagle, more kites, a northern
mockingbird, and various sparrows. After a picnic lunch we returned to camp
to watch rain clouds come in. When the thunder and downpour let up, we
enjoyed dinner then took a walk along the canyon and creek, hoping to hear
an owl but settled for seeing a beautiful male summer tanager.
Tuesday morning another dawn chorus, this time with an owl and distant cow
joining in. We had breakfast, took another walk, saw a couple of Bewick’s
wrens and an indigo bunting. It was time to pack up the tent and start the
long drive home.
Barb said our 90-degree car smelled like a Waste Management garbage truck
with compressed trash and dirty laundry. Oh well, pack it in, pack it out.
Highlights on our way home were seeing a curve-billed thrasher in a field
of cholla cactus and enjoying a chocolate sundae from the McDonald’s drive
thru in La Junta.
It was a great adventure. Thanks to Barb for her love, sharp eyes, and
logistical management. Glad to return home to a shower and bed.
Here is our route from Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area to where we camped at
Cottonwood Canyon, called by Google Maps “Kim Reorganized 88.” Zoom out to
see the whole area and state. Click on the 3D button to the right to see
canyon walls. https://goo.gl/maps/E4KnWxanGAQ1HejA9
Date: 6/24/20 5:30 pm From: Charlie Chase <charlesachase3...> Subject: [cobirds] Rocky Mountain Arsenal- Grasshopper and Cassin's Sparrow galore and a Bull Snake/Oriole predation event. Oh My!
Celebrating my friend Bryce's 72nd BDay started with an Arsenal run, then
sourdough blackberry pancakes for very late brunch. We birded many areas
along 64th, then the auto tour loop. Lots of traffic on road and trails, no
masks in evidence or any attempt at social distancing except our little
group. There about 4 hours.
The morning started surprisingly with 8 territorial male Cassin's Sparrow's
singing on both sides of the road near the first porta-lets and continuing
to the entrance to the refuge. Horned Larks also presented in numbers
which is also surprising. There was a great mix of songbirds along the 64th
from the visitor center to where the road turns left (north) from 64th.
Highlights include Grasshopper Sparrows calling immediately by the road at
Mile Marker 4 and near MM5, Blue Grosbeaks at Lake Ladore and 64th and near
MM3, a rock wren making enough racket to wake the dead on the dike at Lower
Derby, lots of young of many species including Western Wood-Pewee,
Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks, young and adult groups of Lark Sparrows,
grackle families mixed with starling gangs, It was pretty warm by the time
we got to the northern end of the Auto Loop and Burrowing Owl territory.
No hits but on the way out just past the exit from the Bison area
eagle-eyed Lisa spotted a young Great Horned Owl sitting in the shade under
a tree trying very hard to look like a cat. Great fun. 58 species. A few
documentary photos made but all on antique I-phones so not worth posting.
So you get a breakfast picture instead.
We watched a Bullocks Oriole nest predation from start to finish. We were
attracted to a cacophony of Orioles in a cottonwood. As we got closer, I
could see the birds mobbing something. A little closer and I could see a
snake crawling along a branch about 10' up in a large Plains Cottonwood.
Despite repeated strikes to the body and head, it kept working its ways
along and around a variety of branches till it found the nest.. Without a
pause, it entered head first into the nest and about 6-8 inches of its body
went in with the orioles screaming and striking at it. Approx. 7 minutes
later it backed out of the nest and proceeded to find its way back up the
branch and away. The orioles keep up their cacophony throughout until it
completely left the area. In addition to 6-8 orioles, mostly males, a Downy
Woodpecker, Blue Jay and Warbling Vireo joined the fracas. Cowbirds were
also in the area but didn’t join in. The Colorado Bullsnake (Piuophis
catenifer sayi) was nearly 3 feet long, and moved very methodically as it
searched out the nest then sought a retreat route. When we returned about
10 minutes later, all was quiet and no Orioles approached the nest for at
least the next 10 minutes.
Date: 6/24/20 11:40 am From: Jay Breidt <jbreidt...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] CFO non-discrimination policy and statement now online
Excellent! Thank you, CFO. Sincerely, Jay Breidt Fort Collins
On Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 10:01 AM Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> wrote:
> In response to recent events, the Colorado Field Ornithologists Board of > Directors has adopted a non-descrimination policy (https:// > cobirds.org/CFO.aspx?id=30) and a position statement ( > https://cobirds.org/CFO/News.aspx?id=1196). These are on our website and > also reproduced here, on behalf of the CFO Board of Directors. > > Colorado Field Ornithologists is an organization to bring people to birds > and to bring birds to people. We do this by encouraging birding as a hobby, > ornithology as a career, providing a journal, and hosting conventions and > field trips. We also recognize that the freedom to go birding or to do > field research without harassment is not one available to all. This > awareness was highlighted with the recent events in Central Park in New > York City and the forthright articles published by the National Audubon > Society and written by Black researchers and birders. CFO wants to ensure > that all current and future members know that Colorado Field Ornithologists > welcomes the involvement of all, encourages participation by people of > color, and values equity and inclusion. Some might say - and indeed have- > that this topic is too political for CFO but when people of color are > negatively affected, we must speak out against the injustice and ensure > that we are addressing any issues in our own state. There is no place in > this country where racism does not invade and CFO wants to ensure that we > do our part to improve access to our majestic flora and fauna. Birders and > ornithologists routinely see and honor the diversity in the bird world and > CFO embraces the same honoring of the diversity of people. Our nation is at > a point of reckoning with historic and current racism, a reckoning that is > long overdue. Our nondiscrimination policy highlights this commitment. > > Colorado Field Ornithologists does not and shall not discriminate on the > basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, > national origin (ancestry), ability status, citizenship, marital status, > sexuality, or military status in any of its activities or operations > including but not limited to the CFO website, journal, Facebook page, > CObirds, annual convention, field trips, and the CFO Board of Directors. As > an organization, we are dedicated to practicing inclusion, making our > programs as widely accessible as possible to any and all in Colorado, and > adopting organizational practices that actively promote inclusion and > equity. > > Colorado Field of Ornithologists Board of Directors > > Nick Komar > CFO President > Fort Collins, 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 view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<61156384-984C-4638-BCFF-A21F2939BC13...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<61156384-984C-4638-BCFF-A21F2939BC13...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/24/20 11:32 am From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: CFO non-discrimination policy and statement now online
Hi all
Nicely stated.
Here are some useful resources about demographics, state of diversity and how to engage.
Date: 6/24/20 10:44 am From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] Possible Plumbeous Vireo mate guarding, Hecla Junction, Chaffee
Okay, if you have a Chaffee County list, you probably already have Plumbeous Vireo listed. They’re just not that hard to find there, but this behavior was interesting. At Hecla Junction Monday, I was attempting to record a singing Plumbeous Vireo. I was excited because I had a singing vireo in a pair of junipers very close. When you’re recording with a smartphone, getting close to the bird can be really important. (For Pluto.Living fans, make that really, really, really, really important. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D01iBJwXNKQ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D01iBJwXNKQ>)
As I pointed my Rode external microphone at the spot the vireo song came from, I spotted the bird - or thought I did. But the song seemed to be higher up. At the same time, I realized there was a softer chattering call. As the bird I was watching fed among the low juniper branches I could see it was a Plumbeous Vireo. Then higher up, I spotted the singing bird, another Plumbeous Vireo. As I watched the birds, it was clear the lower bird was doing the chattering, while the upper bird was shadowing the movements of the lower bird.
Because the human brain is programmed to find patterns whether or not they are there, I concluded I was watching a pair. I suspect the lower bird was the female and the chattering was probably providing contact information. The male was possibly mate guarding, making sure the female didn’t get distracted by another male. Cornell Labs Birds of the World species account notes "Male accompanies female closely during nest-building, but does not guard female during egg-laying…” https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/plsvir/cur/behavior#sex <https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/plsvir/cur/behavior#sex> If that’s the case this pair was probably at the nest building stage.
I used the word “chatter” to describe the female call because that was the term Nathan Pieplow used in the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Western North America. (Isn’t it amazing how many authors of great birding resources we have in Colorado?) On the companion website to the field guide, Nathan offers to Chatter calls. The first, by Andrew Spencer, most closely matches the call I heard. Interestingly, Spencer’s recording also has chatter calls interspersed with phrases of the typical male song. This leads me to wonder if Andrew was also recording a pair.
Birding just never gets old. In A Guide to Bird Watching, a book that shaped my birding path 55 years ago, Joseph J. Hickey wrote of birding, “It is unquestionably a hobby that can be thoroughly enjoyed for an entire lifetime.” So far, so good.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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Date: 6/24/20 9:01 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: [cobirds] CFO non-discrimination policy and statement now online
In response to recent events, the Colorado Field Ornithologists Board of Directors has adopted a non-descrimination policy (https://cobirds.org/CFO.aspx?id=30) and a position statement (https://cobirds.org/CFO/News.aspx?id=1196). These are on our website and also reproduced here, on behalf of the CFO Board of Directors.
Colorado Field Ornithologists is an organization to bring people to birds and to bring birds to people. We do this by encouraging birding as a hobby, ornithology as a career, providing a journal, and hosting conventions and field trips. We also recognize that the freedom to go birding or to do field research without harassment is not one available to all. This awareness was highlighted with the recent events in Central Park in New York City and the forthright articles published by the National Audubon Society and written by Black researchers and birders. CFO wants to ensure that all current and future members know that Colorado Field Ornithologists welcomes the involvement of all, encourages participation by people of color, and values equity and inclusion. Some might say - and indeed have- that this topic is too political for CFO but when people of color are negatively affected, we must speak out against the injustice and ensure that we are addressing any issues in our own state. There is no place in this country where racism does not invade and CFO wants to ensure that we do our part to improve access to our majestic flora and fauna. Birders and ornithologists routinely see and honor the diversity in the bird world and CFO embraces the same honoring of the diversity of people. Our nation is at a point of reckoning with historic and current racism, a reckoning that is long overdue. Our nondiscrimination policy highlights this commitment.
Colorado Field Ornithologists does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), ability status, citizenship, marital status, sexuality, or military status in any of its activities or operations including but not limited to the CFO website, journal, Facebook page, CObirds, annual convention, field trips, and the CFO Board of Directors. As an organization, we are dedicated to practicing inclusion, making our programs as widely accessible as possible to any and all in Colorado, and adopting organizational practices that actively promote inclusion and equity.
Colorado Field of Ornithologists Board of Directors
Nick Komar
CFO President
Fort Collins, CO
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Date: 6/24/20 6:33 am From: elena <elena...> Subject: [cobirds] Brown thrasher pair Rabbit Mountain
Previously reported by Ted and Hannah Floyd, the brown thrasher pair was seen and heard a little ways up from the picnic shelter by the Rabbit Mountain trailhead (Boulder County). I got poor phone camera shots and a recording that was audio bombed by a vocal spotted towhee.
Sent from my iPhone
Elena Holly Klaver
Federally Certified Court Interpreter
Conference Interpreter
English <> Spanish
303 475 5189
Member: American Translators Association
Colorado Translators Association
Pronouns: she, her, hers
I acknowledge that I live in the territory of Hinóno’éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne and Ute Nations, according to the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, and that Colorado’s Front Range is home to many Native peoples. Reconozco que vivo en el territorio de las naciones Hinóno’éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne y Ute, según el 1851 Tratado de Fort Laramie, y que el estado de Colorado al esté de las Montañas Rocosas es territorio de muchos pueblos indígenas.
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Date: 6/23/20 8:21 pm From: Scott Somershoe <ssomershoe...> Subject: [cobirds] "Eastern" Phoebes, that aren't, Jefferson/Douglas Counties
All, This year has been interesting and odd in so many ways, and here's one more. Many of the "Eastern" Phoebe's nesting in Jefferson County this year are Eastern x Black Phoebe hybrids. Now, not ALL individuals are hybrids, but I am aware of 3 pairs of birds trying to breed where both birds of the pairs are hybrids!
The pairs: 1. Chatfield Audubon Center (JeffCo) - nesting at the bathroom near the parking lot. These are constantly reported as Eastern's. 2. Clear Creek in Golden (Jeff Co) - one Black Phoebe looking bird is a hybrid, and an Eastern looking bird is a hybrid. 3. Platte Canyon Rez in Douglas County (just south of Chatfield Audubon Center) - one of the pair was banded as a hybrid last year at Chatfield and looks a lot like a Black, but it obviously isn't.
One of the birds nesting at the Deer Creek Canyon and Cougar Rd bridge (JeffCo) is a hybrid (thanks to good photos in eBird), while the other bird looks good for an Eastern.
Since at least half (maybe 3/4?) of the "Eastern" Phoebes being reported in Jefferson County are hybrids, I have adjusted the eBird filter back down to 0 in order to encourage better observation and documentation of these birds (and not to just be annoying!). Please continue to report these birds!!
I encourage everyone to take photos and audio of these birds and add them to your eBird lists or if you don't eBird, please send them to me as I'm really interested in what's going on.
I am not sure where all these hybrids are coming from, but this phenomenon is worth thoroughly documenting. This is really fascinating (maybe it's just me?) and I encourage everyone to look more closely at their "Eastern" Phoebes and get photos, if possible.
Date: 6/23/20 5:14 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] Smartphone recordings Pieplow's field guide to solve flycatcher mystery (Chaffee County)
Yesterday while on my last stop at Hecla Junction, I encountered a call that I recognized as either an Ash-throated Flycatcher or Cassin’s Kingbird. I was on a steep, gravelly slope in pinyon-juniper woodland with a smattering of Douglas fir. For the next several minutes, I trudged up and down the dry landscape trying to get close enough to the elusive flycatcher to record the call with my iPhone and an external microphone. When I finally got what I realized was a close as I would get, I recorded this song (edited version).
Fortunately for my self-esteem, Nathan offered a sonogram of page 286 of a similar call by the Cassin’s Kingbird. Interestingly, both the Ash-throated and Cassin’s call are tagged with the phonetic rendering of Pip-breer. The Cassin’s call, however, is noisier and burrier than the Ash-throated call.
Take-aways:
Hecla Junction is a great spot for pinyon-juniper birds (Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Recording songs with your smartphone is an excellent way of improving your song ID skills. With an external microphone (cheaper than binoculars), you’ll get better recordings. By editing your song files (easy instructions on ebird), you’ll get even better recordings.
Colorado’s own Nathan Pieplow has produced the field guide and website that can help us all become better ear-birders.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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Date: 6/23/20 5:05 pm From: Ben S <benrmnp...> Subject: [cobirds] GRSP
Hi Gary.
I had one along the Railroad Bed Trail (the gated off road south of the the gun range) about 1/4 mile from the gun range. I had several others along Windmill Creek Loop Trail, also where I heard Dickcissel around (39.611966,-104.835224). This is the first time I've had them at at Cherry Creek. Just listen for their short insect like song and keep an eye out for them perched on vegetation.
Date: 6/23/20 2:17 pm From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Hi Nick
Setting myself straight, if anyone, lol. I use WhatBird.com "Help Me
Identify a North American Bird" forum periodically. All I know is his
profile identity of "Benjamin". Great learning experience for me here.
Thanks to all who participated!
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 3:07:33 PM UTC-6, Nick Komar wrote:
>
> Gary, thanks for setting me straight. Who is the expert you consulted? Is
> it Sherri Williamson?
>
> Nick Komar
> Fort Collins
>
> On Jun 23, 2020, at 1:51 PM, 'The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds <
> <cob......> <javascript:>> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all
>
> Last item from regarding this bird (beneath signature) ... second response
> back from the AZ hummer birder. I know I learned quite a bit in this
> exercise myself :-)
>
> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >
> "I took the liberty of creating a quick comparison in photoshop which will
> hopefully put this bird's ID to rest. On the left is Black-chinned, then
> your bird, then Broad-tailed. Without even diving into specific field
> marks, it should be immediately apparent how similar the Black-chinned
> Hummingbird is to your bird in every way. In terms of plumage, that
> completely dark, almost black looking head with a tiny patch of white
> behind the eye is a classic Black-chinned look. Granted, the Broad-tailed
> was photographed in very different light, but I could not find a single
> image of a Broad-tailed where both the gorget and the rest of the head
> appeared completely and uniformly dark, or black, as in your bird.
>
> Next, notice the differences in structure between your bird and the
> Broad-tailed. As I said before, we need to be careful when judging
> structure as the bird's individual posture and feathers can greatly
> influence this. However, notice that in general the Broad-tailed is very
> elongated and tubular, due to the very long tail which makes up almost half
> of the bird's length, while your bird and the Black-chinned have a much
> shorter tail that makes up at most one third of the bird's length.
>
>
> There's also a clear difference in terms of wing shape- notice how the
> leading edge of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird's wing is straight, where your
> bird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird's is curved upward towards the tail.
> Also noteworthy is your bird's notched tail, where Broad-tailed generally
> has a pointed or squared tail."
>
> <combinedhummer.jpg>
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:54:19 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>>
>> Thanks for weighing in, Nick!
>>
>> Gary Lefko, Nunn
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org >>
>> On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:48:27 AM UTC-6, Nick Komar wrote:
>>>
>>> Tail extends longer than wings. Straight bill. Thick neck consistent
>>> with Selasphorus sp. All adds up to Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which would
>>> only be about 30 miles out of range. Costas would have slightly curved
>>> bill, thinner primaries and flared gorget.
>>>
>>> Nick Komar
>>> Fort Collins CO
>>>
>>> On Jun 22, 2020, at 10:36 AM, 'The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds <
>>> <cob......> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi all
>>>
>>> I was able to photo a hummer (backlit but lightened up photos a bit) in
>>> Greeley at Josephine B Jones Park and Open Space Sunday. ID?
>>>
>>> Three photos here:
>>>
>>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3442 >>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3443 >>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3444 >>>
>>> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >>>
>>> --
>>> 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 <cob......>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<97889ce1-a691-4814-9821-ebb9fab919dao...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<97889ce1-a691-4814-9821-ebb9fab919dao...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>> --
> 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 <cob......> <javascript:>.
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<002e6d69-0929-4b21-8241-fc1b0a2040e1o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<002e6d69-0929-4b21-8241-fc1b0a2040e1o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
> <combinedhummer.jpg>
>
>
Date: 6/23/20 2:07 pm From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Gary, thanks for setting me straight. Who is the expert you consulted? Is it Sherri Williamson?
Nick Komar
Fort Collins
> On Jun 23, 2020, at 1:51 PM, 'The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all
>
> Last item from regarding this bird (beneath signature) ... second response back from the AZ hummer birder. I know I learned quite a bit in this exercise myself :-)
>
> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >
> "I took the liberty of creating a quick comparison in photoshop which will hopefully put this bird's ID to rest. On the left is Black-chinned, then your bird, then Broad-tailed. Without even diving into specific field marks, it should be immediately apparent how similar the Black-chinned Hummingbird is to your bird in every way. In terms of plumage, that completely dark, almost black looking head with a tiny patch of white behind the eye is a classic Black-chinned look. Granted, the Broad-tailed was photographed in very different light, but I could not find a single image of a Broad-tailed where both the gorget and the rest of the head appeared completely and uniformly dark, or black, as in your bird.
>
> Next, notice the differences in structure between your bird and the Broad-tailed. As I said before, we need to be careful when judging structure as the bird's individual posture and feathers can greatly influence this. However, notice that in general the Broad-tailed is very elongated and tubular, due to the very long tail which makes up almost half of the bird's length, while your bird and the Black-chinned have a much shorter tail that makes up at most one third of the bird's length.
>
>
>
> There's also a clear difference in terms of wing shape- notice how the leading edge of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird's wing is straight, where your bird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird's is curved upward towards the tail. Also noteworthy is your bird's notched tail, where Broad-tailed generally has a pointed or squared tail."
>
>
> <combinedhummer.jpg>
>
>
>
>> On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:54:19 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>> Thanks for weighing in, Nick!
>>
>> Gary Lefko, Nunn
>>
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org >>
>>> On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:48:27 AM UTC-6, Nick Komar wrote:
>>> Tail extends longer than wings. Straight bill. Thick neck consistent with Selasphorus sp. All adds up to Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which would only be about 30 miles out of range. Costas would have slightly curved bill, thinner primaries and flared gorget.
>>>
>>> Nick Komar
>>> Fort Collins CO
>>>
>>>>> On Jun 22, 2020, at 10:36 AM, 'The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds <cob......> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi all
>>>>
>>>> I was able to photo a hummer (backlit but lightened up photos a bit) in Greeley at Josephine B Jones Park and Open Space Sunday. ID?
>>>>
>>>> Three photos here:
>>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3442 >>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3443 >>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3444 >>>> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
>>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >>>> --
>>>> 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 <cob......>
>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<97889ce1-a691-4814-9821-ebb9fab919dao...> >
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
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> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<002e6d69-0929-4b21-8241-fc1b0a2040e1o...> > <combinedhummer.jpg>
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Several folks have reported (on EBird) that they’ve seen Grasshopper Sparrow on the Railroad Bed in Cherry Creek State Park. Any more specific instructions/details (north end? South end?)?
Thanks so much!
Gary Brower
Unincorporated Arapahoe County
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Date: 6/23/20 12:51 pm From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Hi all
Last item from regarding this bird (beneath signature) ... second response
back from the AZ hummer birder. I know I learned quite a bit in this
exercise myself :-)
"I took the liberty of creating a quick comparison in photoshop which will
hopefully put this bird's ID to rest. On the left is Black-chinned, then
your bird, then Broad-tailed. Without even diving into specific field
marks, it should be immediately apparent how similar the Black-chinned
Hummingbird is to your bird in every way. In terms of plumage, that
completely dark, almost black looking head with a tiny patch of white
behind the eye is a classic Black-chinned look. Granted, the Broad-tailed
was photographed in very different light, but I could not find a single
image of a Broad-tailed where both the gorget and the rest of the head
appeared completely and uniformly dark, or black, as in your bird.
Next, notice the differences in structure between your bird and the
Broad-tailed. As I said before, we need to be careful when judging
structure as the bird's individual posture and feathers can greatly
influence this. However, notice that in general the Broad-tailed is very
elongated and tubular, due to the very long tail which makes up almost half
of the bird's length, while your bird and the Black-chinned have a much
shorter tail that makes up at most one third of the bird's length.
There's also a clear difference in terms of wing shape- notice how the
leading edge of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird's wing is straight, where your
bird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird's is curved upward towards the tail.
Also noteworthy is your bird's notched tail, where Broad-tailed generally
has a pointed or squared tail."
Date: 6/23/20 12:01 pm From: Kevin Rutherford <kevin.rutherford...> Subject: [cobirds] Indigo Bunting at Chautauqua park in Boulder
There was a nice Indigo Bunting singing away at Chautauqua park around 8:00 this morning. About .2 miles up the main trail heading west from the parking lot, just before the intersection with the Bluebell Spur trail. Sitting in some dead branches to the right of the trail.
Date: 6/23/20 10:48 am From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Tail extends longer than wings. Straight bill. Thick neck consistent with Selasphorus sp. All adds up to Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which would only be about 30 miles out of range. Costas would have slightly curved bill, thinner primaries and flared gorget.
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Date: 6/23/20 10:42 am From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Hi all
Here is a more definitive explanation for Black-chinned Hummingbird:
"Here in Phoenix, we get Anna's, Costa's, and Black-chinned as our expected
and common hummingbirds, so separation of the three is something we deal
with every day. I can tell you with certainty it's not the two former
species.
As I said in my original post, Anna's Hummingbird *always *has a tail that
clearly projects well beyond the primaries when perched. Not most of the
time, but always. Your bird clearly does not- the tail appears to end right
around the wingtip, so Anna's is simply off the table.
Your bird is pretty clearly an adult male- the gorget is full and well
defined, so its shape should be textbook to whatever species it is. Costa's
has a very distinct gorget shape, with very long sides that extend well
below the neck. Instead, as we can clearly see, especially from the last
photo, the gorget makes a neat rectangle in the chin area, indicative of
Black-chinned. Of course, it's difficult to see if the gorget extends to
the face/top of head, but I don't need to see it to know it's not there,
because we already ruled out Anna's.
There are structural differences between all three, however they are
actually a lot more subtle than you might think. I see all three species
all the time, but in the field I cannot confidently call a female hummer
based on size or bulkiness alone. And one certainly cannot do so in the
face of other conflicting field marks.
Ruby-throated, although rare, was also a bird I considered in my original
post, although I didn't mention it. However, once again tail projection is
a major indicator- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also have a tail that
projects beyond the primaries, and is just about the best way to confirm
vagrant Black-chinned and Ruby-throated. It's also sex-dependent- while
differences in females can be tricky and subtle, male Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds have longer tails that, much like Anna's, will always project
strongly past the wingtips.
Finally, it's probably good to address the 'pointy wingtips'. Actually, if
you look carefully, what appears to be two pointy wingtips is actually the
forked tail of the hummingbird. The wingtips are hidden under the tail,
something that is pretty clear if you follow the curve of the wing to where
the tip would be in any of the images. "
So, there we have it ... Black-chinned Hummingbird. Thanks for playing :-)
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:59:45 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> Just received comment to add to discussion:
>
> - "Actually, Costa’s might be the best fit shape-wise and tail/wing
> length fits too. I’m unable to see 'strongly-curved wingtips.'"
>
> Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >
>
> On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:11:48 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>>
>> Hi all
>>
>> Other responses so far most leaning toward Black-chinned:
>>
>> - "Not the greatest photo, but messing with filters and light
>> adjustments, I think it’s an Archilochus type, and given the apparently
>> pointy rater than clubby shape of the primaries, I’d call it a
>> Ruby-throated rather than Black-chinned. The latter may be more likely
>> these days!"
>> - "It's a Black-chinned. The fact that the tail does not strongly
>> project beyond the wingtips rules out Broad-tailed, Rufous, and a vagrant
>> Anna's. Size is hard to judge in the field, and the gorget is the wrong
>> shape for Calliope. You can also see the strongly curved wingtips pretty
>> clearly, another field mark indicative of Black-chinned
>> - "Black-chinned. I had a bit of an advantage; I have had them
>> nesting in my yard for the last 4 years. They've been spreading all over
>> the front range for at least 5 years now. Lots of breeding too."
>>
>> Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >>
>> On Monday, June 22, 2020 at 10:36:34 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi all
>>>
>>> I was able to photo a hummer (backlit but lightened up photos a bit) in
>>> Greeley at Josephine B Jones Park and Open Space Sunday. ID?
>>>
>>> Three photos here:
>>>
>>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3442 >>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3443 >>> -
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3444 >>>
>>> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
>>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >>>
>>
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:11:48 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> Other responses so far most leaning toward Black-chinned:
>
> - "Not the greatest photo, but messing with filters and light
> adjustments, I think it’s an Archilochus type, and given the apparently
> pointy rater than clubby shape of the primaries, I’d call it a
> Ruby-throated rather than Black-chinned. The latter may be more likely
> these days!"
> - "It's a Black-chinned. The fact that the tail does not strongly
> project beyond the wingtips rules out Broad-tailed, Rufous, and a vagrant
> Anna's. Size is hard to judge in the field, and the gorget is the wrong
> shape for Calliope. You can also see the strongly curved wingtips pretty
> clearly, another field mark indicative of Black-chinned
> - "Black-chinned. I had a bit of an advantage; I have had them nesting
> in my yard for the last 4 years. They've been spreading all over the front
> range for at least 5 years now. Lots of breeding too."
>
> Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >
> On Monday, June 22, 2020 at 10:36:34 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:
>>
>> Hi all
>>
>> I was able to photo a hummer (backlit but lightened up photos a bit) in
>> Greeley at Josephine B Jones Park and Open Space Sunday. ID?
>>
>> Three photos here:
>>
>> -
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3442 >> -
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3443 >> -
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3444 >>
>> Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
>> http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/ >>
>
Date: 6/23/20 7:25 am From: Don Marsh <ridgwaybrdr...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Varied Bunting, Ridgway, Ouray County
I just spent about 45 minutes birding the greenbelt where I saw the Varied Bunting last night. Sorry to report that I did not see or hear any buntings during my time. I did find several filled bird feeders in the area, so i'll ask my neighbors to keep an eye out for the bunting. Don Marsh Ridgway, CO
Date: 6/23/20 7:11 am From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Hi all
Other responses so far most leaning toward Black-chinned:
- "Not the greatest photo, but messing with filters and light
adjustments, I think it’s an Archilochus type, and given the apparently
pointy rater than clubby shape of the primaries, I’d call it a
Ruby-throated rather than Black-chinned. The latter may be more likely
these days!"
- "It's a Black-chinned. The fact that the tail does not strongly
project beyond the wingtips rules out Broad-tailed, Rufous, and a vagrant
Anna's. Size is hard to judge in the field, and the gorget is the wrong
shape for Calliope. You can also see the strongly curved wingtips pretty
clearly, another field mark indicative of Black-chinned
- "Black-chinned. I had a bit of an advantage; I have had them nesting
in my yard for the last 4 years. They've been spreading all over the front
range for at least 5 years now. Lots of breeding too."
Date: 6/23/20 6:49 am From: Don Marsh <ridgwaybrdr...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Varied Bunting, Ridgway, Ouray County
Hello all, I know there is interest in seeing the Varied Bunting, but unfortunately it isn't a feeder bird (at least at my house). I took down my seed feeders in May to prevent any bears from getting the wrong idea. I'm going to put out a feeder just in case the bird returns, but it isn't a stake out bird. The thin row of willows where I saw the bird runs for only 100 yards along the ditch before they peter out, so the bird isn't hanging out in them due to insufficient cover. I'm going to look around the neighborhood to see if I can hear the bird singing, but at this point, I assume the bird was a one day wonder. I'll keep you posted if I find it again. Don Marsh, Ridgway, Colorado.
Date: 6/23/20 2:44 am From: Karl Stecher Jr. <kstecher...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Rattlesnakes, no sighting
A couple of snake stories (many of us have many of them)...as a fearless but respectful 16 year old nature counselor at Boy Scout camp in Virginia, I had a "pet" timber rattler in a cage on my desk. It was much darker than the one in the article, generally slate and black. it was taken to the Philadelphia zoo at the end of summer.
Next...in 1991 I went to see the eared trogon (quetzal now) near Miller peak in Arizona. Walking out, on a narrow trail, I had placed my right foot 18 inches from a black tailed rattler which I had not seen, and almost had my left foot down when I heard the rattle...like grease on a griddle. I took a few more steps, then took the time to get excellent photos of the coiled rattler.
Nature is great, and we are so fortunate to be able to spend some timeout in it.
Karl Stecher
Aurora
----------------------------------------
From: "toursbyturner via Colorado Birds" <cobirds...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 2:49 AM
To: "<lazgorman...>" <lazgorman...>, "<cobirds...>" <cobirds...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Rattlesnakes, no sighting
A delightful perspective on a beautiful part of nature. Thank you, Laura, for posting it.
Bill Turner
Centennial
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Gorman <lazgorman...>
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Sent: Mon, Jun 22, 2020 11:28 am
Subject: [cobirds] Rattlesnakes, no sighting
An interesting opinion piece in today's New York Times about rattlesnakes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/22/opinion/rattlesnakes.html Laura Gorman
Cañon City
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Hi all,
Cole Sage and I just discovered there is a varied bunting in Ridgway and we’re wondering if there is anyone in the Denver area who is going up for it tomorrow morning and would be able to carpool with us.
Thanks,
Pablo Quezada
Denver
Date: 6/22/20 11:45 pm From: Don Marsh <ridgwaybrdr...> Subject: [cobirds] Varied Bunting, Ridgway, Ouray County
This evening at 7 pm I saw a small dark sparrow like bird moving along the willows behind my house. Lighting was poor due to the time and cloud cover, but I noticed a red cap and the bill had a slightly curved culmen, which made me briefly wonder if I was seeing an aberrant colored cowbird. I ran and grabbed my camera and I was able to get several underexposed photos. Upon review, they turned out to be acceptable photos of what I believe is a Varied Bunting. Here is my eBird checklist with photos of the bird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S70727686 . As you can see in the photos, the bird appeared to be mostly slaty blue colored with a lighter blue head and rump. It had a bright red spot on its head/nape and less noticeable red on its belly and back. It was black around its eyes and light gray bill. The bird vocalized as it foraged in the willows and it sounded like a "tick" call. If I'm correct, this is a yard bird, county bird, state bird, country bird and life bird all rolled into one.
Date: 6/22/20 5:23 pm From: Dave Cameron <davednvr7...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer
Wings about as long as the tail, bill very straight, short stubby bird, getting no help from the gorget due to the lighting angle, though it lacks any frills or extensions....
Makes me want to guess Anna's, though that would be highly unexpected. Looks a little chunky for Black-chinned, though that seems more likely here.
Date: 6/22/20 4:18 pm From: toursbyturner via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Rattlesnakes, no sighting
A delightful perspective on a beautiful part of nature. Thank you, Laura, for posting it.
Bill TurnerCentennial
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Gorman <lazgorman...>
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Sent: Mon, Jun 22, 2020 11:28 am
Subject: [cobirds] Rattlesnakes, no sighting
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Date: 6/22/20 2:34 pm From: 'The \Nunn Guy\' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Birds and More of the Pawnee National Grassland/Weld
Hi all
As part of our Friends of the Pawnee National Grassland efforts I started an iNaturalist Project named "Birds and More of the Pawnee National Grassland". Looking to report birds, mammals, plants, insects, trees, reptiles--the living world collection. Our way of contributing to increasing the value of the Pawnee we all visit, know and love.
If you are an iNaturalist already, login, do simple search for the project name here, https://www.inaturalist.org/projects, click "Birds and More of the Pawnee National Grassland" search result to open the project. Upper right click "Join". The other piece of this equation is I created a Place named "Pawnee National Grassland" (Hwy 85 x WY border x Hwy 14 by Town of Stoneham). When you report your observation(s) please include the project and the place mentioned above.
Newbies, like I did myself, sign up at www.iNaturalist.org and do steps above to start.
On the project dashboard itself you will notice many of your COBIRDs birding friends who post here also being listed on the Project Leader Tally Boards.
Date: 6/22/20 9:53 am From: Charlie Chase <charlesachase3...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Son of Song Quiz: We have a winner! (Nick Moore)
There was a chat working the streambed above Chautauqua giving that same call two days ago. Along with an array of other calls as if he was trying to present the entire panoply of birds singing along the stream. He even dueted with a MacGillivray's Warbler for a few minutes.
Charlie Chase Denver
On Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 8:52 AM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
> Hey, all. > > Nick Moore got it. *Yellow-breasted chat.* The bird that can sing or say > anything--anywhere, anytime. It was, as far as I could ascertain, a typical > adult of the species. Nick also said: "Usually they start their more normal > song but Ted may well be keeping the full recording from us." It is true > that the bird eventually started to give a normal ("normal" being relative > with the the crackup, clownish chat) song, but only after a long while of > this consistent, stereotyped, down-slurred, wavering whistle. > > Long ago, before the era of smartphones and small pocket recorders, I > heard a chat in Gregory Canyon, Boulder County, giving only a slowly > uttered, quite-low, monotone whistle. Was nearly certain I had a northern > pygmy-owl. But no. > > About a decade later, THIS chat was at Rabbit Mountain, Boulder County: > > https://www.xeno-canto.org/184929 > > I think you'll see (and hear) why I thought I had a rare curve-billed > thrasher. I wasn't the only one who thought that. :-) > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1fa2f505-be17-40b0-8760-9b2d9b162169o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1fa2f505-be17-40b0-8760-9b2d9b162169o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/22/20 9:15 am From: Tyler Wilson <wilsonswilsons...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Fate of Colorado Birding Society
Thanks for the info Doug and Joe.
I’m certainly not trying to stir the pot here. I guess i am just used to the Colorado birding community being open and transparent as Joe mentioned. I did not bird with him or know him personally. I would occasionally peruse the Cobus website and blog. Mainly it is my curiosity on the matter that has driven me to look into it. But i suppose curiosity killed the cat... It’s nice to learn a bit about Colorado birding history, good or bad.
Date: 6/22/20 7:53 am From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Son of Song Quiz: We have a winner! (Nick Moore)
Hey, all.
Nick Moore got it. *Yellow-breasted chat.* The bird that can sing or say anything--anywhere, anytime. It was, as far as I could ascertain, a typical adult of the species. Nick also said: "Usually they start their more normal song but Ted may well be keeping the full recording from us." It is true that the bird eventually started to give a normal ("normal" being relative with the the crackup, clownish chat) song, but only after a long while of this consistent, stereotyped, down-slurred, wavering whistle.
Long ago, before the era of smartphones and small pocket recorders, I heard a chat in Gregory Canyon, Boulder County, giving only a slowly uttered, quite-low, monotone whistle. Was nearly certain I had a northern pygmy-owl. But no.
About a decade later, THIS chat was at Rabbit Mountain, Boulder County:
Date: 6/21/20 8:58 pm From: Tyler Wilson <wilsonswilsons...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Fate of Colorado Birding Society
I have been trying to research online, but have come up with nothing much. I am running out of available resources to continue. Someone, somewhere knows something about what happened. It is very fishy is one thing i have discovered. I know Richard (Stevens) had some minor disputes against CFO. And DFO. I don't know how it started but i can catch a vibe. He was an exceptional Colorado birder and there is no logical reason why he would simultaneously shut town COBUS website, COBUS RBA, among other things without warning. It just doesn't make sense. It’s like they vanished off the face of the Earth. I figured if there was anyone who had a bit of something of an idea it would be here.
Date: 6/21/20 7:31 pm From: Brian Johnson <buntingrobinjay...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Lucy Warbler, Mesa Count questions
Thank you to everyone who has helped mr with the info. I'm heading out tomorrow. Fingers crossed they make an appearance for me. Brian Johnson Englewood CO
Date: 6/21/20 5:37 pm From: Robert Canter <rlcanter50...> Subject: [cobirds] American Dipper in Clear Creek today, Adams County
Hi CoBirders An American Dipper continues in Clear Creek at Lowell Blvd, Adams County. I saw it today and yesterday. Dippers nested here this year. This may be the chick that hasn't found the need to leave. Bob Canter, Denver
Date: 6/21/20 9:46 am From: Sara Hendrickson <sara...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Fate of Colorado Birding Society
No one knows anything? I, too, have been curious since the last blog post as to what might have happened. It's so strange for the cobirders list and cbs to just disappear.
Sara Hendrickson Denver, CO
On Sat, Jun 20, 2020, 9:46 AM Tyler Wilson <wilsonswilsons...> wrote:
> The last blog was February 6th and the last RBA was generated on February > 8th from what i can tell. Kind of like it ceased to exist without warning. > Does anyone have any info on what happened? Or has anyone heard from > Richard Stevens or Rebecca Kosten (founders i believe)? It has been bugging > me for a while now... > > Tyler Wilson > Thornton, 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 view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<3ab57e36-eff1-4f45-a651-66c027963c16o...> > . >
Date: 6/21/20 9:34 am From: Burke Angstman <bangstman...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
Possibly a Western Meadowlark. I got fooled once thinking it was a Say's Phoebe. On 2nd thought, probably not a Cowbird as their call is too thin.
Burke Angstman Lakewood
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 7:22:39 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote: > > Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." > > Here's a new one: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 > > And another cut from the same bird: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 > > You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking > about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch > a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this > for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded > (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon > Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. > > Any takers? > > Enjoy! > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County >
Date: 6/21/20 9:01 am From: Burke Angstman <bangstman...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
A Brown-headed Cowbird makes a call that can sound like this.
Burke Angstman Lakewood
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 7:22:39 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote: > > Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." > > Here's a new one: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 > > And another cut from the same bird: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 > > You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking > about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch > a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this > for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded > (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon > Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. > > Any takers? > > Enjoy! > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County >
Date: 6/21/20 6:41 am From: Charlie Chase <charlesachase3...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Fun Bird Behavior and Interesting Insects at the CSU ELC
Hey Caleb From a Lep friend of mine who leads Butterfly tours around the world.
Not Zabulon Skipper. It doesn't get far enough west to Colorado and the wing is missing a spot. Looks very good for a male Taxiles Skipper, however, which replaces Zabs in the west.
Eric
Cheers Charlie Chase Denver
On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 2:19 PM Caleb A <calebscotta...> wrote:
> Hello CObirders! > I recently visited the CSU Environmental Learning Center, and a few things > prompted me to make this post. > The checklist in itself wasn't very "juicy" by any birder's standards, but > I observed some new behaviors I thought interesting enough to share. Common > birds often surprise me; for example, I didn't know that Double-crested > Cormorants yawn while sunning: > > [image: IMG_5740.JPG] > > > One of my favorite moments of this trip was recording two female-type > Common Mergansers vocalizing in the creek! I never knew Common Mergansers > vocalized--but they do! Here's my recording in the Macaulay library > <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244403791>. Out of curiosity, why were > these birds vocalizing? I realize that it's breeding season, but both of > these birds were female type? One of them could have been a male in eclipse > plumage, but I still haven't reached any definite conclusions as to why > this bird was croaking. > When I started birding last year, I was focused on only birds. However, > the observation skills I've been practicing have allowed me to enjoy the > diversity of animal life in all sorts of other ways. For example, dragonfly > and butterfly migration seems to be happening, because there were lots of > critters out in the dirt trails. > Here's a Twelve-spotted Skimmer > > [image: IMG_5764.JPG] > > a Variegated Meadowhawk > > [image: IMG_5794.JPG] > > Out of them all, however, this butterfly is the most interesting: > > [image: IMG_5808.JPG] > > I believe this is a Zebulon Skipper, but I can't decide between that or > Taxiles Skipper. If there's any lepidopterist out there who can help me ID > this guy, that would be much appreciated! > > At the end of the day, birding is really a part in the scheme of an > ecosystem; I hope to continue learning more about the other organisms that > live and interact with the birds, and maybe down the road it will lead to > more subtle discoveries. > *The birds are happy, and so am I* > *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<cd056a5f-0fb8-4a21-8337-b0898397c834o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<cd056a5f-0fb8-4a21-8337-b0898397c834o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/20/20 8:02 pm From: Nick Moore <sdhjuw...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
I think I have to bite. To me the bird sounds like a lot of things but it never really sounds quite right for anything. So I think it is some kind of mimic. Heavily relying on location I think it is a Yellow-breasted Chat. They have fooled me more times than I’d like to admit and can make all sorts of strange noises. Usually they start their more normal song but Ted may well be keeping the full recording from us. I was about to guess Gray Catbird but chat seem more adept at making odd vocalizations.
I once happily ticked a Cassin’s finch before realizing it was a Steller’s Jay, so I eagerly await the answer. Keep these coming Ted very fun.
While up on the roof tonight to try and spot where on the foothills skyline the summer solstice sun would set, I heard the twittering of a Chimney Swift and looked up to see a lone bird fluttering by.
-- R.J. Pautsch 427 Pearl St. Boulder, CO 80302 <rjpautsch...>
Well, Sebastian, I absolutely considered that selfsame strigine
possibility. Here's my story. At a great distance, I was thinking I'd maybe
come upon a little troupe of piñon jays. As I got closer, I thought the
mystery bird was going to be a bluebird, although not a mountain bluebird;
instead, I was thinking eastern bluebird, not out of the question in the
Boulder County foothills in summer and known to breed there occasionally.
Then, as I closed in on the songster, I, like you, was wondering if I had
one of the "small mountain owls," and northern saw-whet in particular.
But it's not an owl, and it's not a bluebird (or any other kind of thrush),
and it's not a jay (or any other corvid), and it's not, as we've already
established, a finch or flycatcher. It's an adult of a common diurnal
species in the foothills. Anybody else? :-)
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County
P.s. While I got y'all's attention: Kudos to Peter Gent on his discovery of
Boulder County Cassin sparrows. And shame on the rest of you (I'm joking of
course...) for going to see Peter's sparrows. But there is something to
ponder here. The last time we had a Cassin sparrow discovery in Boulder
County, it proved to be a five-YEAR phenomenon (2009-2013). Looking at my
own records, at least one detection per summer in each of those five years,
I can see that they were all clustered within the narrow range of dates of
June 15 through July 5. So right now is the time to go out and find more of
these spectacular, skylarking sparrows. With dedicated searching, I
wouldn't be surprised if we find many more in the next couple of weeks. Or
maybe it's a one-off. But we won't know if we don't go looking.
Date: 6/20/20 6:28 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Sparrows at Boulder Valley Ranch, Boulder Co
Thanks to Peter Gent for pointing us to the Cassin’s Sparrow’s singing at Boulder Valley Ranch. I attempted to get smartphone recordings of the birds this morning. The sparrows were singing and larking in a brushy strip along the base of the mesa between Cobalt trail and the mesa. The birds are thus distant from both the trail and the mesa top, making it difficult to get close enough for either good looks or good recordings. Nevertheless, here is link to the eBird list with two recordings. There are also three recordings of different Yellow-breasted Chats which seem to be present in nice numbers. https://ebird.org/checklist/S70632593 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S70632593>
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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Date: 6/20/20 5:43 pm From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
To my ears this sounds like the persistent begging of a young bird, possibly even an owl??
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2020 7:33 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
Thanks for the response, everybody. Despite enthusiasm--here on COBirds, as well as over at Facebook and in my inbox--for Say phoebe, mountain bluebird, and lesser goldfinch, it is not any of those species. The mystery songster is in a bird family nobody has come close to yet. Anybody else want to chime in now? :-)
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County
P.s. Up at Rabbit Mountain, northern Boulder County, this sunny solstice morn, June 20, Hannah Floyd and I saw a pair of brown thrashers bringing food to an apparent nest near the parking area. Didn't investigate the matter too closely, but I imagine that "apparent" nest is a real one.
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 7:22:39 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote:
Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun."
You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17.
Thanks for the response, everybody. Despite enthusiasm--here on COBirds, as well as over at Facebook and in my inbox--for Say phoebe, mountain bluebird, and lesser goldfinch, it is not any of those species. The mystery songster is in a bird family nobody has come close to yet. Anybody else want to chime in now? :-)
Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder County
P.s. Up at Rabbit Mountain, northern Boulder County, this sunny solstice morn, June 20, Hannah Floyd and I saw a pair of *brown thrashers* bringing food to an apparent nest near the parking area. Didn't investigate the matter too closely, but I imagine that "apparent" nest is a real one.
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 7:22:39 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote: > > Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." > > Here's a new one: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 > > And another cut from the same bird: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 > > You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking > about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch > a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this > for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded > (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon > Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. > > Any takers? > > Enjoy! > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County >
Date: 6/20/20 4:11 pm From: Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cassin's Sparrows, Boulder County
At least three singing earlier in the morning. Birds are larking. One could be heard from the trailhead. Behavior suggests territorial birds that will be present for a while.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
> On Jun 20, 2020, at 4:53 PM, Randy Siebert <rlsiebert52...> wrote:
>
> Heard at least 2 Cassin's Sparrows at 1 pm today. Nice selection of other birds right near the trailhead.
> Perfect directions Peter.
>
> Thanks,
> Randy Siebert
> Lafayette CO
>
> On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 12:53:06 PM UTC-6, Peter Gent wrote:
> All,
>
> This morning between 10:15 and 11:45, there were 3 Cassin's Sparrows singing and skylarking about 200 yards southwest of the Boulder Valley Ranch parking lot at the end of Longhorn Road east of US 36 north of Boulder. Park and start walking west along the Cobalt Trail, and quickly listen for their song to the southwest. This species does not come up as rare on ebird, even though this is only the third or fourth time I have seen this species in Boulder in over 40 years.
>
> Cheers, Peter Gent.
> Boulder, CO.
>
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The pair of Lucy's at Gatewood Cottonwoods were still present yesterday. From 141 turn northwest on 4 1/10 Rd. Go 1 mile to an access road on the right with a small brown marker (stake) noting allowed types of vehicles. This is Gateway Cottonwoods. The Lucy's were primarily seen in a tree that overhangs this access road just a very short ways down this road fairly close to a wooden tee-pee made out of branches that you can't miss and before the road comes to what looks like an open area used for parking/camping that has a rock firepit. The male was singing frequently, making him easy to locate.
As Joe rightly noted, these birds are breeding here, out of their normal range, and this is a first Mesa County record of breeding Lucy's, so please avoid playing songs or calls, pishing, or anything else that would cause disturbance to their breeding. Good luck!
Date: 6/20/20 3:53 pm From: Randy Siebert <rlsiebert52...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Cassin's Sparrows, Boulder County
Heard at least 2 Cassin's Sparrows at 1 pm today. Nice selection of other birds right near the trailhead. Perfect directions Peter.
Thanks, Randy Siebert Lafayette CO
On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 12:53:06 PM UTC-6, Peter Gent wrote: > > All, > > This morning between 10:15 and 11:45, there were 3 Cassin's Sparrows > singing and skylarking about 200 yards southwest of the Boulder Valley > Ranch parking lot at the end of Longhorn Road east of US 36 north of > Boulder. Park and start walking west along the Cobalt Trail, and quickly > listen for their song to the southwest. This species does not come up as > rare on ebird, even though this is only the third or fourth time I have > seen this species in Boulder in over 40 years. > > Cheers, Peter Gent. > Boulder, CO. >
Date: 6/20/20 2:17 pm From: John Ealy <jrealy...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Another bird sound quiz
I'll also go with lesser goldfinch. John Ealy Roxborough Park, Douglas County, CO
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:39:36 PM UTC-6, Mike Blatchley wrote: > > Ted, > > I'll take the bait.... My first reaction was Western Wood-Pewee, but your > recording doesn't exhibit that raspy sound quality they have. So I'll go > with my second reaction, Lesser Goldfinch. > > Fun games!! > > Mike Blatchley > Longmont > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:22 PM Ted Floyd <tedfl......> > <javascript:>> wrote: > >> Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." >> >> Here's a new one: >> >> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 >> >> And another cut from the same bird: >> >> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 >> >> You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking >> about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch >> a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this >> for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded >> (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon >> Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. >> >> Any takers? >> >> Enjoy! >> >> Ted Floyd >> Lafayette, Boulder County >> >> -- >> 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 <cob......> <javascript:>. >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> >
Date: 6/20/20 1:48 pm From: Pam Piombino <piombino.pam...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Fun Bird Behavior and Interesting Insects at the CSU ELC
Hi Caleb,
Nice photo!! Methinks Lon taxiles. They are confusing, but Zebulon occurs further east and there is a slight difference in the pattern on their hind wing.
Pam Piombino
On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 2:19 PM Caleb A <calebscotta...> wrote:
> Hello CObirders! > I recently visited the CSU Environmental Learning Center, and a few things > prompted me to make this post. > The checklist in itself wasn't very "juicy" by any birder's standards, but > I observed some new behaviors I thought interesting enough to share. Common > birds often surprise me; for example, I didn't know that Double-crested > Cormorants yawn while sunning: > > [image: IMG_5740.JPG] > > > One of my favorite moments of this trip was recording two female-type > Common Mergansers vocalizing in the creek! I never knew Common Mergansers > vocalized--but they do! Here's my recording in the Macaulay library > <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244403791>. Out of curiosity, why were > these birds vocalizing? I realize that it's breeding season, but both of > these birds were female type? One of them could have been a male in eclipse > plumage, but I still haven't reached any definite conclusions as to why > this bird was croaking. > When I started birding last year, I was focused on only birds. However, > the observation skills I've been practicing have allowed me to enjoy the > diversity of animal life in all sorts of other ways. For example, dragonfly > and butterfly migration seems to be happening, because there were lots of > critters out in the dirt trails. > Here's a Twelve-spotted Skimmer > > [image: IMG_5764.JPG] > > a Variegated Meadowhawk > > [image: IMG_5794.JPG] > > Out of them all, however, this butterfly is the most interesting: > > [image: IMG_5808.JPG] > > I believe this is a Zebulon Skipper, but I can't decide between that or > Taxiles Skipper. If there's any lepidopterist out there who can help me ID > this guy, that would be much appreciated! > > At the end of the day, birding is really a part in the scheme of an > ecosystem; I hope to continue learning more about the other organisms that > live and interact with the birds, and maybe down the road it will lead to > more subtle discoveries. > *The birds are happy, and so am I* > *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<cd056a5f-0fb8-4a21-8337-b0898397c834o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<cd056a5f-0fb8-4a21-8337-b0898397c834o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/20/20 1:19 pm From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] Fun Bird Behavior and Interesting Insects at the CSU ELC
Hello CObirders! I recently visited the CSU Environmental Learning Center, and a few things prompted me to make this post. The checklist in itself wasn't very "juicy" by any birder's standards, but I observed some new behaviors I thought interesting enough to share. Common birds often surprise me; for example, I didn't know that Double-crested Cormorants yawn while sunning:
[image: IMG_5740.JPG]
One of my favorite moments of this trip was recording two female-type Common Mergansers vocalizing in the creek! I never knew Common Mergansers vocalized--but they do! Here's my recording in the Macaulay library <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244403791>. Out of curiosity, why were these birds vocalizing? I realize that it's breeding season, but both of these birds were female type? One of them could have been a male in eclipse plumage, but I still haven't reached any definite conclusions as to why this bird was croaking. When I started birding last year, I was focused on only birds. However, the observation skills I've been practicing have allowed me to enjoy the diversity of animal life in all sorts of other ways. For example, dragonfly and butterfly migration seems to be happening, because there were lots of critters out in the dirt trails. Here's a Twelve-spotted Skimmer
[image: IMG_5764.JPG]
a Variegated Meadowhawk
[image: IMG_5794.JPG]
Out of them all, however, this butterfly is the most interesting:
[image: IMG_5808.JPG]
I believe this is a Zebulon Skipper, but I can't decide between that or Taxiles Skipper. If there's any lepidopterist out there who can help me ID this guy, that would be much appreciated!
At the end of the day, birding is really a part in the scheme of an ecosystem; I hope to continue learning more about the other organisms that live and interact with the birds, and maybe down the road it will lead to more subtle discoveries. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
While it sounds a lot like a Say's Phoebe, the pitch seems too low and it sounds a little sharper or brassier. But I have no clue what it would be otherwise.
Karen
On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 11:04 AM Caleb A <calebscotta...> wrote:
Date: 6/20/20 8:46 am From: Tyler Wilson <wilsonswilsons...> Subject: [cobirds] Fate of Colorado Birding Society
The last blog was February 6th and the last RBA was generated on February 8th from what i can tell. Kind of like it ceased to exist without warning. Does anyone have any info on what happened? Or has anyone heard from Richard Stevens or Rebecca Kosten (founders i believe)? It has been bugging me for a while now...
Date: 6/20/20 8:40 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Lucy Warbler, Mesa Count questions
TO find the site, go to the hotspot map on eBird and enter "Gateway Cottonwoods". Chances of seeing Lucy's here are low this late in the year.
PLease respect these birds, which are nesting in this County for the first time. Please do NOT play a tape, or do anything to disrupt them.
A better place to find Lucy's is in MOntezuma County, Yellowjacket County, late April, early May. Lucy's breed here and need to be respected here too.
From CFO site "County Birding" Yellow Jacket Canyon - Montezuma County Ownership: None Listed Description: This ribbon of riparian habitat is the undisputed crown jewel of southwestern birding locations. Yellow Jacket Creek has water flowing through it all year, and an extensive riparian corridor lines it for at least two miles. Unfortunately, much of it, including the best stuff, is on private property.
The reason most birders come here is to look for Lucy's Warbler, first discovered breeding here in 2004 and seen in numbers every summer since then. A pair typically nests right on the public property boundary (see below), and up to three other pairs have been seen upstream from there on public land. They usually arrive in late April and are present through July, though they get increasingly harder to find after mid-June.
Lucy's Warblers are far from the only reason to come, though. Summer Tanagers have maintained territories here in 2006 and 2007 and likely breed; rarities such as Yellow-throated Vireo have been seen, and the potential here is phenomenal. Gray Vireo is common along the road in, along with other PJ species such as Pinyon Jay, Common Poorwill, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, and others. A few Scott's Orioles can typically be found in the sparser PJ closer to McElmo Canyon. Habitat: Pinyon/Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Stream Elevation: Directions: From the intersection of McElmo Canyon Road (CR G) and US-160/491 just south of Cortez head west on CR G for 20.2 miles to an unmarked and gated road on the right. Open the gate and head north for 2.4 miles, heading straight over the cattle guard at a junction at 1.5 miles, past a National Monument sign for Cannonball Mesa, well off the road. Just before the junction at 2.4 miles you will cross a (usually) dry arroyo. Take a left at 2.4 miles onto an inconspicuous and rough track. Drive down it as far as you can and walk the rest of the way (about 1.5 miles total; bring water!). When you get towards the end of the road, you'll be getting close to the top of some short rimrock cliffs above the cottonwood gallery. If you're in the right place, the road should split shortly before the cliff. Take the right (lower) fork, but watch for a broken-down, unposted fenceline. Do not follow the road through the fence line--it is the beginning of private property that birders are specifically forbidden from accessing. Instead follow the fenceline to the right, until you reach the top of the short cliff. Below you'll see how the road does a hairpin turn and comes back out into public land through the continuation of the fenceline. Head right (northeast) along the cliff until you find a safe place to descend. Stay east of the fence. In 2006, at least one Lucy's territory seemed to stretch along about 100 meters of stream bottom, roughly centered on the fenceline. Everything down-canyon from here is private property; you can bird upstream from here to about the first side canyon on the right and stay on public land.
To navigate around this area you will probably want to use the Bowdish Canyon Quadrangle topographic map or the Cortez area BLM map.
On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 6:03 AM George Miller <fly83man...> wrote:
> Use eBird's Explore to get to the Top Hotspots of Mesa County. > Click on number nine, Gateway Cottonwoods. > At the left, click on any list. > Under the Date at the top of the list is a the location and a Flag that > will take you to the location. > > > On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 7:57:42 PM UTC-6, Brian Johnson wrote: >> >> Hello, >> I'm going camping this coming week and >> I have seen reports of Lucy's Warblers >> At a ebird hot spott called Gateway Cottonwoods. I have not been to Mesa >> County before and would appreciate some info on how to get there and where >> to go to hopeful find them. I tried to look this place up on the internet >> but I could only find a resort. Do I need to stay visit the resort to reach >> the birds? >> Thank you >> Brian Johnson, >> Good birding > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a38fbd03-3a70-4926-b05a-7cd39e7420dbo...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a38fbd03-3a70-4926-b05a-7cd39e7420dbo...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/20/20 7:00 am From: Gary Brower <grb4914...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] CCSP Dog Training Area?
Thanks to you all. I didn’t know the difference between “Sport-Dog Training Area” and "Off-Leash”. Makes sense. And I know that part of the park VERY well, as I ride my bike on that road all the time. I guess I’d never seen the sign.
Gary Brower
Unincorporated Arapahoe County
> On Jun 20, 2020, at 7:22 AM, Cynthia Madsen <cmadsen08...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Gary,
>
> This is an area just south of the Gun Club where hunting dogs are trained so it is not the dog park. Walk south through the gate on Jordan Road by the Gun Club, follow the fence line that’s on the right side (west) until it ends. You will see a sign that says “Sport Dog Training Area.” The Scissor-tail was on the hillside just beyond the sign.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Cynthia Madsen
>
> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 6:24 AM Gary Brower <grb4914...> <mailto:<grb4914...>> wrote:
> Friends,
>
> In the reports about the Scissor-tailed Fly Catcher, there are references to a “Dog-Training Gate” or area off the Railroad Bed near the Shooting Range. Can someone explain this to me? My understanding is that the only off-leash area in the park is the designated one on the southeast “corner” by Orchard and Parker. Otherwise the regulations are that dogs are leashed at all times. If that’s the case, what does “Dog-training Gate” imply?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Gary Brower
> Unincorporated Arapahoe County
>
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Date: 6/20/20 5:25 am From: Gary Brower <grb4914...> Subject: [cobirds] CCSP Dog Training Area?
Friends,
In the reports about the Scissor-tailed Fly Catcher, there are references to a “Dog-Training Gate” or area off the Railroad Bed near the Shooting Range. Can someone explain this to me? My understanding is that the only off-leash area in the park is the designated one on the southeast “corner” by Orchard and Parker. Otherwise the regulations are that dogs are leashed at all times. If that’s the case, what does “Dog-training Gate” imply?
Thanks!
Gary Brower
Unincorporated Arapahoe County
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Date: 6/20/20 5:03 am From: George Miller <fly83man...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Lucy Warbler, Mesa Count questions
Use eBird's Explore to get to the Top Hotspots of Mesa County. Click on number nine, Gateway Cottonwoods. At the left, click on any list. Under the Date at the top of the list is a the location and a Flag that will take you to the location.
On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 7:57:42 PM UTC-6, Brian Johnson wrote: > > Hello, > I'm going camping this coming week and > I have seen reports of Lucy's Warblers > At a ebird hot spott called Gateway Cottonwoods. I have not been to Mesa > County before and would appreciate some info on how to get there and where > to go to hopeful find them. I tried to look this place up on the internet > but I could only find a resort. Do I need to stay visit the resort to reach > the birds? > Thank you > Brian Johnson, > Good birding
Date: 6/19/20 6:57 pm From: Brian Johnson <buntingrobinjay...> Subject: [cobirds] Lucy Warbler, Mesa Count questions
Hello,
I'm going camping this coming week and
I have seen reports of Lucy's Warblers
At a ebird hot spott called Gateway Cottonwoods. I have not been to Mesa County before and would appreciate some info on how to get there and where to go to hopeful find them. I tried to look this place up on the internet but I could only find a resort. Do I need to stay visit the resort to reach the birds?
Thank you
Brian Johnson,
Good birding
Date: 6/19/20 3:38 pm From: 'John Drummond' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Another bird sound quiz
Ted:
Say's Phoebe
John Drummond
Colorado Springs
Sent from my iPad
> On Jun 18, 2020, at 7:22 PM, Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
>
> Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun."
>
> Here's a new one:
>
> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 >
> And another cut from the same bird:
>
> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 >
> You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17.
>
> Any takers?
>
> Enjoy!
>
> Ted Floyd
> Lafayette, Boulder County
> --
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Date: 6/19/20 11:53 am From: Peter Gent <gent...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Sparrows, Boulder County
All,
This morning between 10:15 and 11:45, there were 3 Cassin's Sparrows singing and skylarking about 200 yards southwest of the Boulder Valley Ranch parking lot at the end of Longhorn Road east of US 36 north of Boulder. Park and start walking west along the Cobalt Trail, and quickly listen for their song to the southwest. This species does not come up as rare on ebird, even though this is only the third or fourth time I have seen this species in Boulder in over 40 years.
Date: 6/19/20 11:51 am From: Mary Cay <mcburger3...> Subject: [cobirds] Scisssor-tail at Cherry Creek State Park
Cynthia Madsen spotted a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Cherry Creek State Park, south of the gun range, walk south on the paved road to the end of the fence, then look on either side of the road. Also saw the Dicksissel west of that road, south of gun range. 11am June 19 Mary C Burger
6350 S Havana St Apt 1212
Englewood, Co 80111-5660
720.940.8394
<mcburger3...>
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Date: 6/19/20 8:34 am From: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Another bird sound quiz
Ted probably knows a better way, but here's a simple way I have used to make half-way decent recordings of bird song.
I downloaded the app called Song Sleuth onto my smartphone. It was designed for you to record a song and it would ID the bird from your recording. I have found its ID skills wanting, but it makes decent recording files. When I hear a bird I want to record, I go into the app and go through the motions of recording the sound as if for ID purposes. I reject the ID offering of it usually, but I then use the 'share' option to e-mail the recording file to my personal e-mail address. Back at home, I download the file from my e-mail and upload it into eBird.
Diana Beatty El Paso County
On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 8:59 AM Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...> wrote:
> Ted, > > I love your bird quizzes and your accounts of what you've seen/heard! You > have admonished us to make more recordings. I'd love to comply but don't > have a clue how. Could you give us a short tutorial on what > hardware/software is best to use? > > Oh, and my guess is Say's Phoebe. > > Mary Kay Waddington > Englewood, Arapahoe County > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:22 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote: > >> Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." >> >> Here's a new one: >> >> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 >> >> And another cut from the same bird: >> >> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 >> >> You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking >> about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch >> a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this >> for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded >> (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon >> Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. >> >> Any takers? >> >> Enjoy! >> >> Ted Floyd >> Lafayette, Boulder County >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Colorado Birds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAA-Db7dL19G419nuiF2WSQMMoGTr3_ysUXifxpUCPDQDSyQreQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAA-Db7dL19G419nuiF2WSQMMoGTr3_ysUXifxpUCPDQDSyQreQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
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******
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.
Date: 6/19/20 7:59 am From: Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Another bird sound quiz
Ted,
I love your bird quizzes and your accounts of what you've seen/heard! You have admonished us to make more recordings. I'd love to comply but don't have a clue how. Could you give us a short tutorial on what hardware/software is best to use?
Oh, and my guess is Say's Phoebe.
Mary Kay Waddington Englewood, Arapahoe County
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:22 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
> Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." > > Here's a new one: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 > > And another cut from the same bird: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 > > You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking > about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch > a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this > for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded > (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon > Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. > > Any takers? > > Enjoy! > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 6/18/20 9:39 pm From: Mike Blatchley <mabxmab...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Another bird sound quiz
Ted,
I'll take the bait.... My first reaction was Western Wood-Pewee, but your recording doesn't exhibit that raspy sound quality they have. So I'll go with my second reaction, Lesser Goldfinch.
Fun games!!
Mike Blatchley Longmont
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:22 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
> Hey, folks. Alrighty, that last one was fun, er, "fun." > > Here's a new one: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160651 > > And another cut from the same bird: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244160711 > > You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking > about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch > a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this > for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded > (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon > Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17. > > Any takers? > > Enjoy! > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c26aff93-6f81-4035-9864-aac722552b67o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
You can hear several species in those two cuts, but the one I'm talking about is the slowly and rather steadily repeated whistle, falling in pitch a bit and wavering, uttered every 2-3 seconds. The bird vocalized like this for at least a minute at a time for much of the morning. Audio-recorded (and seen, so I know what it is) near the intersection of Lefthand Canyon Drive and Old Stage Road in Boulder County, yesterday, Wed., June 17.
On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 6:32:42 AM UTC-6, Eric DeFonso wrote:
>
> I know I'm a bit late to the game - I've been out in the wilds of Colorado
> doing socially-distanced bird surveys for the Bird Conservancy once again
> this year. This is a great recording that Ted has shared, and I wanted to
> amplify the point he makes in sharing it by sharing a similarly perplexing
> recording I made 6 years ago while on another one of these field seasons
> that I'm doing.
>
> This is a Spotted Towhee recording I made in Yellowjacket Canyon way down
> southwest near the Utah border in Montezuma County back on May 31, 2014,
> while searching for resident Lucy's Warblers. When I first heard it, like
> Ted in his situation I wasn't sure what I was going to find since it was
> unlike anything I'd been expecting to hear. But on closer approach I was
> able to confirm the ID visually and easily, as the bird was perched quite
> noticeably atop a shrub. My recording is only 30 seconds, but the bird
> continued to sing this variant for pretty much the entire duration of my
> visit to the area, which was well over 90 minutes.
>
> https://www.xeno-canto.org/205868 >
> -------
> Eric DeFonso
> near Lyons, Boulder County, CO
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 8:59 PM Ted Floyd <tedfl......>
> <javascript:>> wrote:
>
>> Alrighty, y'all, what everybody's been wondering about for the past 48
>> hours . . .
>>
>> So . . . Every guess here at COBirds was wrong, although two late
>> entrants got the bird in the right family. Over at Facebook, all the
>> guesses were likewise wrong, with nobody even getting the mystery songster
>> to the right family. I am aware of guesses from the following avian
>> families:
>>
>> Scolopacidae (sandpipers)
>>
>> Tyrannidae (flycatchers)
>> Corvidae (crows, jays)
>>
>> Turdidae (thrushes, robins)
>> Mimidae (catbirds, thrashers, mockingbirds)
>>
>> Fringillidae (finches)
>> Icteridae (blackbirds)
>> Passerellidae (sparrows)
>> Parulidae (warblers)
>>
>>
>> So who got it in the right family? Donald Jones and Maureen Blackford.
>> Good job! However, the bird wasn’t a song sparrow.
>>
>>
>>
>> Folks wrote to me offline, too, and one of them got it all the way to
>> species. Our winner is . . . Christian Nunes, who correctly recognized this
>> as the song of the endlessly protean
>>
>> *spotted towhee.*While I have you, here’s how the saga unfolded on my
>> end. When I first heard the song, at some distance, I wondered if the bird
>> was going to be a blue jay. We have this whack-job blue jay at Waneka who
>> frequently imitates Swainson hawks, ospreys, I believe, and maybe even
>> red-winged blackbirds. So, for those of who thought it was a blue jay: Same
>> here. But, then, as I got closer, I started to semi-seriously consider the
>> possibility that this was going to be Colorado’s second rufous-collared
>> sparrow—and the third for the east flank of the Rockies in the USA. So I
>> was in the right family—of course with that intangible yet critical
>> advantage of actually being in the field with the bird. Finally, as I
>> neared the bird, which I eventually saw up close and personal, something
>> clicked, and I was pretty sure it was going to be a spotted towhee. Again,
>> the imponderable essence of being there.
>>
>>
>> Thanks to all of you for playing along, and congrats to Christian. Next
>> time I see you in person, I owe you a bottle of kombucha and a sack of
>> orange slices.
>>
>> Ted Floyd
>>
>> Lafayette, Boulder County
>>
>> --
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>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to <cob......> <javascript:>.
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a4e384e4-5374-4d15-b835-f17d0788ed25o...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a4e384e4-5374-4d15-b835-f17d0788ed25o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
Date: 6/18/20 7:10 am From: 'Steven Mlodinow' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Larimer Meadowlark
Greetings All
I've found the meadowlark at Bud Mielke a fascinating birdThe vocalizations sound great for Lilian's (thanks to Nathan Pieplow for confirming)
The photos (and some descriptions) do not. I've consulted a couple of the top birders in Arizona, and the response has been that the yellow on the malar is not consistent with the ID of Lilian's. The cheek looks too dusky. One respondent said "I almost never invoke the H word, but I do think this bird is most consistent with a hybrid."
I would be interested in seeing more quality photos (most are pretty blurry). A photo showing the tail even moderately well would be very helpful, indeed.
Best WishesSteven Mlodinowps - please put photos on a eBird checklist, if possible. I am not on Facebook, so photos there are invisible to me
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Date: 6/18/20 5:32 am From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mystery Songster at Waneka Lake, The Answer Revealed at Last
I know I'm a bit late to the game - I've been out in the wilds of Colorado
doing socially-distanced bird surveys for the Bird Conservancy once again
this year. This is a great recording that Ted has shared, and I wanted to
amplify the point he makes in sharing it by sharing a similarly perplexing
recording I made 6 years ago while on another one of these field seasons
that I'm doing.
This is a Spotted Towhee recording I made in Yellowjacket Canyon way down
southwest near the Utah border in Montezuma County back on May 31, 2014,
while searching for resident Lucy's Warblers. When I first heard it, like
Ted in his situation I wasn't sure what I was going to find since it was
unlike anything I'd been expecting to hear. But on closer approach I was
able to confirm the ID visually and easily, as the bird was perched quite
noticeably atop a shrub. My recording is only 30 seconds, but the bird
continued to sing this variant for pretty much the entire duration of my
visit to the area, which was well over 90 minutes.
-------
Eric DeFonso
near Lyons, Boulder County, CO
On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 8:59 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
> Alrighty, y'all, what everybody's been wondering about for the past 48
> hours . . .
>
> So . . . Every guess here at COBirds was wrong, although two late entrants
> got the bird in the right family. Over at Facebook, all the guesses were
> likewise wrong, with nobody even getting the mystery songster to the right
> family. I am aware of guesses from the following avian families:
>
> Scolopacidae (sandpipers)
>
> Tyrannidae (flycatchers)
> Corvidae (crows, jays)
>
> Turdidae (thrushes, robins)
> Mimidae (catbirds, thrashers, mockingbirds)
>
> Fringillidae (finches)
> Icteridae (blackbirds)
> Passerellidae (sparrows)
> Parulidae (warblers)
>
>
> So who got it in the right family? Donald Jones and Maureen Blackford.
> Good job! However, the bird wasn’t a song sparrow.
>
>
>
> Folks wrote to me offline, too, and one of them got it all the way to
> species. Our winner is . . . Christian Nunes, who correctly recognized this
> as the song of the endlessly protean
>
> *spotted towhee.*While I have you, here’s how the saga unfolded on my
> end. When I first heard the song, at some distance, I wondered if the bird
> was going to be a blue jay. We have this whack-job blue jay at Waneka who
> frequently imitates Swainson hawks, ospreys, I believe, and maybe even
> red-winged blackbirds. So, for those of who thought it was a blue jay: Same
> here. But, then, as I got closer, I started to semi-seriously consider the
> possibility that this was going to be Colorado’s second rufous-collared
> sparrow—and the third for the east flank of the Rockies in the USA. So I
> was in the right family—of course with that intangible yet critical
> advantage of actually being in the field with the bird. Finally, as I
> neared the bird, which I eventually saw up close and personal, something
> clicked, and I was pretty sure it was going to be a spotted towhee. Again,
> the imponderable essence of being there.
>
>
> Thanks to all of you for playing along, and congrats to Christian. Next
> time I see you in person, I owe you a bottle of kombucha and a sack of
> orange slices.
>
> Ted Floyd
>
> Lafayette, Boulder County
>
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a4e384e4-5374-4d15-b835-f17d0788ed25o...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a4e384e4-5374-4d15-b835-f17d0788ed25o...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 6/17/20 8:02 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] The Colorado bias is alive and well at ABA.org
Hey, folks. I think some of you know that the American Birding Association
hosts a biweekly spot called “How to Know the Birds.” Disclaimer: by Yours
Truly.
Well, given that I haven’t been able to go anywhere for the past three-plus
months, the content features extreme Colorado bias. Shush. Don’t the rest
of the world. Anyhow, for all the latest on “How to Know the Birds [in
Colorado],” here ya go:
Date: 6/17/20 7:59 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Mystery Songster at Waneka Lake, The Answer Revealed at Last
Alrighty, y'all, what everybody's been wondering about for the past 48
hours . . .
So . . . Every guess here at COBirds was wrong, although two late entrants
got the bird in the right family. Over at Facebook, all the guesses were
likewise wrong, with nobody even getting the mystery songster to the right
family. I am aware of guesses from the following avian families:
So who got it in the right family? Donald Jones and Maureen Blackford. Good
job! However, the bird wasn’t a song sparrow.
Folks wrote to me offline, too, and one of them got it all the way to
species. Our winner is . . . Christian Nunes, who correctly recognized this
as the song of the endlessly protean
*spotted towhee.*While I have you, here’s how the saga unfolded on my end.
When I first heard the song, at some distance, I wondered if the bird was
going to be a blue jay. We have this whack-job blue jay at Waneka who
frequently imitates Swainson hawks, ospreys, I believe, and maybe even
red-winged blackbirds. So, for those of who thought it was a blue jay: Same
here. But, then, as I got closer, I started to semi-seriously consider the
possibility that this was going to be Colorado’s second rufous-collared
sparrow—and the third for the east flank of the Rockies in the USA. So I
was in the right family—of course with that intangible yet critical
advantage of actually being in the field with the bird. Finally, as I
neared the bird, which I eventually saw up close and personal, something
clicked, and I was pretty sure it was going to be a spotted towhee. Again,
the imponderable essence of being there.
Thanks to all of you for playing along, and congrats to Christian. Next
time I see you in person, I owe you a bottle of kombucha and a sack of
orange slices.
Date: 6/17/20 7:54 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Eastern bird bonanza, Eldorado Springs area, Boulder County, June 16
With companions Quinn Pack and Hannah Floyd, I enjoyed a nice morning
yesterday, Tues., June 16, of birding, beetling, butterflying, and
botanizing in the general vicinity of Eldorado Canyon, southern Boulder
County.
Our very first bird of the morning was a *red-eyed vireo.* Our very last
bird of the morning was an *American redstart.* In between, we heard two
more red-eyed vireos, saw two *red-headed woodpeckers,* and audio-recorded
a phantasmagoric seven *ovenbirds.* Couldn’t reproduce our indigo bunting
and rose-breasted grosbeak from a couple weeks ago, but I imagine they’re
still around. Anyhow, there’s definitely an “East Coast” feel, or at least
a Midwestern feel, to the experience of birding the area this summer.
Now don’t get too carried away. We reveled in a steady stream of *western
tanagers, black-headed grosbeaks, Bullock orioles, lazuli buntings,
Virginia warblers, Hammond flycatchers, plumbeous vireos,* and other
classic Westerners. Singles of both *western bluebird* and *mountain
bluebird.* *White-throated swifts* were constantly within earshot
<https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244005761>. And we chanced upon not one,
not two, but three nests of *pygmy nuthatches,* including this family group:
[image: 01 PyNu.jpg]
An adult *peregrine falcon* and an adult *golden eagle* could have been
East Coast or West Coast, Old World or New World. Anyhow, we were
well-pleased with both.
The butterflies were fantastic, with double digits of some of the most
spectacular leps on Earth. Like this guy, a Weidemeyer’s admiral, *Limenitis
weidemeyerii*, one of about ten we saw during the course of our ramble:
[image: 02 Weidemeyer's.jpg]
My fave beetle was this thing, a western eyed click elater, *Alaus melanops*,
the size of a gym sneaker:
[image: 03 click.jpg]
Quinn and I left the botanizing mostly to Hannah, although Quinn and I
couldn’t help but notice the proliferation of irises and lupines, Indian
paintbrushes and Deptford pinks, spearleaf stonecrops and manyflowered
gromwells, and more. Here’s Hannah, striking a
determined-Richard-Crossley-look pose, out in a field full of poppies:
[image: 04 HMF.jpg]
Back to the birds. *Red crossbills* were prominent, as they have been in
the Boulder County foothills and mountains all year. We got nice studies of
a group of mostly female-plumage birds, including these ones:
[image: 05 ReCr 01.jpg]
[image: 06 ReCr 02.jpg]
[image: 07 ReCr 03.jpg]
[image: 08 ReCr 04.jpg]
A gentle exhortation, if I may. Make recordings of crossbills! This flock
started off making vocalizations I wasn’t familiar with
<https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244017141>, and then they went into the classic
Type 2 flight calls <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244031641>. Without
the audio (and subsequent spectrographic analysis), I wouldn’t have
documented the unfamiliar vocalizations and I wouldn’t have even
satisfactorily documented their status as Type 2.
Alright, I’m on a roll. Make recordings of ovenbirds too. I can’t even
begin to imagine photo-documenting seven ovenbirds in the impregnable
thickets that overspread the steep slopes around Eldorado canyon, but
audio-recording all seven birds wasn’t really all that difficult. In my favorite
ovenbird audio from the morning
<https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244057471>, I love the human commentary
at the end, affirming that you don’t hear the species every day in Colorado.
One last thing. There were a ton of people out there. Tons of people,
actually. Tonnes, even. Wear a mask. Black lives matter. Peace be upon all
of you.
More evidence of the strong nesting instinct of Eurasian Collared-Doves.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 17, 2020, at 5:49 PM, 'Hugh Kingery' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
>
>
> Denver Audubon received a call from Dave, who lives in Johnstown. He confirmed that an American Robin built a nest, incubated on it, and then a Eurasian Collared-Dove incubated the same nest with the robin watching from a few feet away. Then the robin took over incubation, then the dove, and finally now the robin is back incubating. This has gone on over a couple of days. Barbara Fahey (Den. Audubon volunteer) asked if he could i.d. the eggs but no, the nest is 20 feet up.
> We look forward to more information from Dave.
> Do any Cobirders have thoughts about this bizarre affair
>
> Hugh Kingery
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Denver Audubon received a call from Dave, who lives in Johnstown. He confirmed that an American Robin built a nest, incubated on it, and then a Eurasian Collared-Dove incubated the same nest with the robin watching from a few feet away. Then the robin took over incubation, then the dove, and finally now the robin is back incubating. This has gone on over a couple of days. Barbara Fahey (Den. Audubon volunteer) asked if he could i.d. the eggs but no, the nest is 20 feet up. We look forward to more information from Dave. Do any Cobirders have thoughts about this bizarre affair
Hugh Kingery
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Date: 6/17/20 3:33 pm From: Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mystery birdsong
Anything that goes Peep Peep Peep Peep Peep this time of year sounds like a
young bird begging to me. Are you near a creek? I had one of those Peep,
Peepers that I hunted down and it turned out to be a Mallard duckling
separated from its parents.
Mary Kay Waddington, Englewood, Arapahoe County.
On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 3:49 PM Margaret Smith <margaretalicesmith...>
wrote:
> We have been hearing a novel birdsong around Boulder, on the South Boulder
> Creek trail and along the roadside of SH 170 to Eldorado Springs. “Peep
> peep peep peep peep peep peep” all on one pitch: D# about an octave above
> Middle C; with the “peeps” spaced about 1/4 second apart, or the 7-note
> phrase just under 2 seconds. Clear, loud. I pride myself on song
> recognition, but don’t know this one. Help!
>
> -- Margaret
>
> --
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>
Date: 6/17/20 2:49 pm From: Margaret Smith <margaretalicesmith...> Subject: [cobirds] Mystery birdsong
We have been hearing a novel birdsong around Boulder, on the South Boulder Creek trail and along the roadside of SH 170 to Eldorado Springs. “Peep peep peep peep peep peep peep” all on one pitch: D# about an octave above Middle C; with the “peeps” spaced about 1/4 second apart, or the 7-note phrase just under 2 seconds. Clear, loud. I pride myself on song recognition, but don’t know this one. Help!
-- Margaret
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This bears checking out if anyone is available. This is from Larry
Allison, a good friend of mine. While not necessarily a hardcore birder,
he has considerable experience with birding and birders and for many years
has done volunteer taxonomic work for the Denver Museum of Natural History
and other entities. He is a very careful observer. I’ve copied his note
below. There were two observers and after listing to playbacks, both
believe it was a whip-poor-will. (Larry and I have done a lot of desert
backpacking. He’s very familiar with Common Poor Will.) They were camped
near the Colorado Trail on which they were doing volunteer maintenance.
Nic Korte
“Not the Common Poor-will, definitely not. This call started just after
dusk, went on all night (or at least every time I woke up and listened),
still going at 0430 when I made coffee, tempo was very steady and
persistent. Probably two individuals, one close and loud with the other
further away. I went spotting one night but never observed an individual,
too steep/dark for these creaky knees. I'll make a report. Location Lat
38.103762 Lon -106.777303.
Google Quarter Circle Circle Ranch. Knew exactly where we were. “
Date: 6/17/20 12:36 pm From: mblackford <mblackford...> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is? -
Hello Dave, I was wondering if you've checked song sparrow. Might be worth comparing that to what you heard. Maureen BlackfordBoulder County
-------- Original message --------From: Dave Hyde <pink-beam...> Date: 6/16/20 11:44 AM (GMT-07:00) To: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33...>, Colorado Birders <cobirds...> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Thanks, Diane, but Spotted towhee wasn’t it. I’m sure this bird had only one opening ‘whit’
Sent from
Mail for Windows 10
From: Diana Beatty
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:22 AM
To: <pink-beam...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
If you listen to Spotted Towhee, was it similar to that song?
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 9:40 AM Dave Hyde <pink-beam...> wrote:
Ted, I thought at first this was a flycatcher or a thrush but none of the written descriptions seem to match. So, I dunno…
But perhaps you or anyone on CObirders can help me i.d. a bird I heard here west of Loveland at 7000’ on May 31st. I have only my mnemonic and brief notes. I never
saw the bird: “whit-d-d-d-d-dow” fast, breathy, repeated about 8 secs apart.
I expect soon someone will identify your mystery bird. Thanks – Dave Hyde/nr Storm Mtn, Larimer Cty.
Sent from
Mail for Windows 10
From:
Ted Floyd
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 9:13 PM
To: Colorado Birds
Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey, folks.
Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.
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Date: 6/17/20 12:15 pm From: Paula Hansley <redstart.paula...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
I guessed Great-tailed Grackle....
Paula Hansley
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 17, 2020, at 12:09 PM, David Tønnessen <davidtonnessenx...> wrote:
>
> Intriguing sound! It reminds me of one of the many variations in Baltimore Orioles, but I don't know you to make quizzes out of rare birds. So perhaps another Icterus or a species that learned the wrong song altogether. :)
>
> Tonnessen
>
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Date: 6/17/20 11:09 am From: David Tønnessen <davidtonnessenx...> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Intriguing sound! It reminds me of one of the many variations in Baltimore Orioles, but I don't know you to make quizzes out of rare birds. So perhaps another Icterus or a species that learned the wrong song altogether. :)
Date: 6/17/20 11:08 am From: David Tønnessen <davidtonnessenx...> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Intriguing sound! It reminds me of one of the many variations in Baltimore Orioles, but I don't know you to make quizzes out of a rare birds. So perhaps another Icterus or a species that learned the wrong song altogether. :)
Date: 6/17/20 10:09 am From: Doug Ward <dougward...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Ted,
I've got it! The joyful sound of little kids playing (@ 0:11). Seriously, don't tell us yet - think I have it, but want to give a little more thought.
Thanks for putting this out there as these sorts of mysteries are loads of fun and can be played at home...while at work in many of our cases.
Cheers,Doug
On Monday, June 15, 2020, 08:13:56 PM PDT, Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
Hey, folks.
Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
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Date: 6/17/20 8:18 am From: 'Birding' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Sonogram and photo of a male Red-winged Blackbird in a work of art.
Was that the Sterling CFO Convention where Don Kroodsma spoke? I have a similar piece featuring a blue grosbeak. Also a favorite.
Norm Lewis, Lakewood
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 17, 2020, at 9:13 AM, Joe Roller <jroller9...> wrote:
>
>
> This handsome, limited edition print by Peter Kaplan juxtaposes the sonogram and a photo of a male Red-winged Blackbird.
> I vaguely recall purchasing it at a CFO convention, maybe 15 years ago, and I've always treasured it.
> Is Red-winged Blackbird the mystery singer?
> Joe Roller, Denver
>
> <IMG_9314.JPG>
>
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Date: 6/17/20 8:14 am From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: [cobirds] Sonogram and photo of a male Red-winged Blackbird in a work of art.
This handsome, limited edition print by Peter Kaplan juxtaposes the sonogram and a photo of a male Red-winged Blackbird. I vaguely recall purchasing it at a CFO convention, maybe 15 years ago, and I've always treasured it. Is Red-winged Blackbird the mystery singer? Joe Roller, Denver
Date: 6/17/20 7:57 am From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
How about a truncated Song Sparrow song?
On Monday, June 15, 2020 at 9:13:51 PM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote: > > Hey, folks. > > Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at > Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio: > > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/243680291 > > Can anybody guess what it is? (I saw the singing bird, so I know what it > is.) > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County >
Date: 6/16/20 7:26 pm From: Heidi Haas <heidi.haas...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Help with possible bird ID
I heard the calls again (multiple times) and was able to get a better view. A pair of hawks have definitely taken up residence nearby and I was able to get photos. Assume these are cooper's as suggested, but if not let me know!
On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 3:21:23 PM UTC-6, Heidi Haas wrote: > > oh my gosh, thank you all so much for the possibilities and knowledge of > the group! I wish i had taken an audio so I can confirm, but I'm leaning > towards the Cooper's Hawk. I'll be keeping my ears open to see if it > returns. > > Thanks again to everyone, always fun learning new things!!! > > > > On Monday, June 8, 2020 at 11:06:48 PM UTC-6, Heidi Haas Williams wrote: >> >> Hey all, first post to the group after hearing a strange bird call/sound >> today. Around midday north of Denver (Federal Heights) I heard what I >> thought might be a dog toy originally, but it sounded almost like a monkey >> - hard to describe but that's what I thought it was originally. It was loud >> and sounded a few times so I went to check it out. I was able to spot a >> bird/bird of prey up in a tree right outside my house that I believed to be >> making the noise. Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture the call or any >> part of the bird via camera but i was able to see a whitish belly and it >> seemed a bit fluffy as it hopped from one branch to another. I wasn't able >> to see it's head or body shape at all but it seemed hawkish size. I went to >> get binocs/camera and couldn't spot it again (may have flown while I was >> inside) so that's all the info I have. No history of owls in the >> residential area, but occasional hawks/falcons as we do have a prairie dog >> town nearby. >> >> Out of plain curiosity, does anyone have an idea of what it could be? It >> wasn't the usual hawk or owl sounds I've heard while out (or during visits >> to hawkquest etc). It seemed fairly unique and I'm hoping the "monkey-ish" >> descriptor might be a clue. >> >> Sorry if this is a wild goose chase, but I appreciate any suggestions so >> I can compare to audio on ebird/merlin/etc! >> >> Thanks! >> Heidi Haas >> >
Date: 6/16/20 7:26 pm From: Thomas Lechleitner <trumpetplayertom70...> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Sounds Oriolish! Like possibly on the line of a Baltimore Oriole. Couldn’t match anything to sibley’s! I’ll continue to figure this one out!!
Tom Lechleitner
Date: 6/16/20 5:15 pm From: Joe Roller <jroller9...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Thomas is referring to the most excellent field guide to bird sounds, "Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Eastern North America" by local favorite, Nathan Pieplow. Page 468. Joe Roller
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 5:01 PM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> wrote:
> On the other hand, the spectrogram of this recoding does closely resemble, > as Joe pointed out, one next to a Red-winged Blackbird in an excellent > field guide to bird sounds. ;-) > > Thomas Heinrich > Boulder, CO > <Nyctea...> > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<89652FFF-DD3D-4352-AADC-651E343BCFB4...> > . >
Date: 6/16/20 4:02 pm From: Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
On the other hand, the spectrogram of this recoding does closely resemble, as Joe pointed out, one next to a Red-winged Blackbird in an excellent field guide to bird sounds. ;-)
Thomas Heinrich Boulder, CO <Nyctea...>
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Date: 6/16/20 3:28 pm From: Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
There’s something about the strength, clarity, timbre, and regularity in terms of timing, of the song that makes me think of Western Meadowlark. I was over at Heil Ranch a couple of weeks ago and was surprised by a W Meadowlark’s unusually simple song using the same several notes (4 or 5) covering a fairly limited pitch range, a very consistent rhythmic pattern, a fair amount more variation than this recording, but not the glassy arpeggios that seem to cover a big range. If not a W Meadowlark maybe an exotic?
Thomas Heinrich
Boulder, CO
<Nyctea...>
> On Jun 16, 2020, at 2:40 PM, Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> wrote:
>
> I believe it is a Red-winged Blackbird.
>
> Nick Komar
>
>> On Jun 16, 2020, at 2:33 PM, Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Oh course we can't judge size, and the quiz master didn't tell us how FAR he was from the critter, but it sounds loud and it strikes me as being from a medium to a medium-large bird. The bird is probably singing from a relatively exposed perch, immobile, and doesn't appear to be bothered by a bunch of humanoids carrying on nearby. At secs. 59 and ~ 114 we can hear Red-winged Blackbirds, and between secs. 113-117 I THINK there's a Common Grackle; House Finches and Black-capped Chickadee(s) are intermixed. The bird's song to my ears has a flute-like quality that makes me think Icterid, and I'll change my earlier vote (if I might Quiz Meister) to Bullock's Oriole.
>>
>> <sebastianpatti...>
>> Sebastian T. Patti
>> 770 S. Grand Avenue
>> Unit 3088
>> Los Angeles, CA 90017
>> CELL: 773/304-7488
>>
>> From: Joe Roller <jroller9...>
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:55 PM
>> To: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...>
>> Cc: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>; <tedfloyd73...> <tedfloyd73...>
>> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
>>
>> My guess is Red-winged Blackbird.
>> I have an image of that sonogram next to a photo of the bird.
>> Joe Roller, Denver
>>
>> On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 1:51 PM Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> wrote:
>> Really interesting . . . as I wrote to Ted earlier a familiar bird singing a totally UNFAMILIAR song . . . I'm leaning towards a member of the blackbird family and I had suggested meadowlark to Ted earlier, but now I'm wondering if it might be an oriole????
>>
>> <sebastianpatti...>
>> Sebastian T. Patti
>> 770 S. Grand Avenue
>> Unit 3088
>> Los Angeles, CA 90017
>> CELL: 773/304-7488
>>
>> From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
>> Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13 PM
>> To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
>> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
>>
>> Hey, folks.
>>
>> Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
>>
>> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/243680291 >>
>> Can anybody guess what it is? (I saw the singing bird, so I know what it is.)
>>
>> Ted Floyd
>> Lafayette, Boulder County
>> --
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Date: 6/16/20 3:27 pm From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey Ted! Fun bird song quiz here--it sounds like a Red-winged Blackbird calling to me. I'm not sure what else it could be...I'm basing my guess entirely off of the timbre of the sound. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
Date: 6/16/20 3:27 pm From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey Ted! Fun bird song quiz here--it sounds like a Red-winged Blackbird calling to me. I'm not sure what else it could be...I'm basing my guess entirely off of the timbre of the sound. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
Date: 6/16/20 2:32 pm From: Michael T <raptordefender...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
These youngsters are most definitely Red-tails. We currently have six of these monsters ;-) of various ages in our care at our facility.
Michael Tincher Rehabilitation Coordinator Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Fort Collins,CO
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:05:42 AM UTC-6, Pauli wrote: > > These were photographed in their nest just outside of Town Hall in Mead. > Mead is in southwest Weld County. > > > > Thanks! > > Pauli >
Date: 6/16/20 1:40 pm From: Nicholas Komar <quetzal65...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
I believe it is a Red-winged Blackbird.
Nick Komar
> On Jun 16, 2020, at 2:33 PM, Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> wrote:
>
>
> Oh course we can't judge size, and the quiz master didn't tell us how FAR he was from the critter, but it sounds loud and it strikes me as being from a medium to a medium-large bird. The bird is probably singing from a relatively exposed perch, immobile, and doesn't appear to be bothered by a bunch of humanoids carrying on nearby. At secs. 59 and ~ 114 we can hear Red-winged Blackbirds, and between secs. 113-117 I THINK there's a Common Grackle; House Finches and Black-capped Chickadee(s) are intermixed. The bird's song to my ears has a flute-like quality that makes me think Icterid, and I'll change my earlier vote (if I might Quiz Meister) to Bullock's Oriole.
>
> <sebastianpatti...>
> Sebastian T. Patti
> 770 S. Grand Avenue
> Unit 3088
> Los Angeles, CA 90017
> CELL: 773/304-7488
>
> From: Joe Roller <jroller9...>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:55 PM
> To: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...>
> Cc: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>; <tedfloyd73...> <tedfloyd73...>
> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
>
> My guess is Red-winged Blackbird.
> I have an image of that sonogram next to a photo of the bird.
> Joe Roller, Denver
>
> On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 1:51 PM Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> wrote:
> Really interesting . . . as I wrote to Ted earlier a familiar bird singing a totally UNFAMILIAR song . . . I'm leaning towards a member of the blackbird family and I had suggested meadowlark to Ted earlier, but now I'm wondering if it might be an oriole????
>
> <sebastianpatti...>
> Sebastian T. Patti
> 770 S. Grand Avenue
> Unit 3088
> Los Angeles, CA 90017
> CELL: 773/304-7488
>
> From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
> Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13 PM
> To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
>
> Hey, folks.
>
> Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
>
> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/243680291 >
> Can anybody guess what it is? (I saw the singing bird, so I know what it is.)
>
> Ted Floyd
> Lafayette, Boulder County
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<f86a05e9-c45d-4737-946a-b7df222d000ao...> > --
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Date: 6/16/20 1:33 pm From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Oh course we can't judge size, and the quiz master didn't tell us how FAR he was from the critter, but it sounds loud and it strikes me as being from a medium to a medium-large bird. The bird is probably singing from a relatively exposed perch, immobile, and doesn't appear to be bothered by a bunch of humanoids carrying on nearby. At secs. 59 and ~ 114 we can hear Red-winged Blackbirds, and between secs. 113-117 I THINK there's a Common Grackle; House Finches and Black-capped Chickadee(s) are intermixed. The bird's song to my ears has a flute-like quality that makes me think Icterid, and I'll change my earlier vote (if I might Quiz Meister) to Bullock's Oriole.
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: Joe Roller <jroller9...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:55 PM
To: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...>
Cc: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>; <tedfloyd73...> <tedfloyd73...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
My guess is Red-winged Blackbird.
I have an image of that sonogram next to a photo of the bird.
Joe Roller, Denver
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 1:51 PM Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...><mailto:<sebastianpatti...>> wrote:
Really interesting . . . as I wrote to Ted earlier a familiar bird singing a totally UNFAMILIAR song . . . I'm leaning towards a member of the blackbird family and I had suggested meadowlark to Ted earlier, but now I'm wondering if it might be an oriole????
<sebastianpatti...><mailto:<sebastianpatti...> Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: <cobirds...><mailto:<cobirds...> <cobirds...><mailto:<cobirds...>> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...><mailto:<tedfloyd73...>> Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...><mailto:<cobirds...>> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey, folks.
Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
Date: 6/16/20 12:51 pm From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Really interesting . . . as I wrote to Ted earlier a familiar bird singing a totally UNFAMILIAR song . . . I'm leaning towards a member of the blackbird family and I had suggested meadowlark to Ted earlier, but now I'm wondering if it might be an oriole????
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue
Unit 3088
Los Angeles, CA 90017
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey, folks.
Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
Date: 6/16/20 12:39 pm From: Allison Hilf <allisonhilf...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Sounds like the very end of a Common Yellowthroat flight song? But I’ve
only heard them skip the rest of the song 1-2 times before returning to
complete song?
Given Waneka Lake habitat, it’s my best guess.
Allison Hilf
Aurora, CO
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 9:13 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
From: Diana Beatty<mailto:<otowi33.33...> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:22 AM
To: <pink-beam...><mailto:<pink-beam...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
If you listen to Spotted Towhee, was it similar to that song?
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 9:40 AM Dave Hyde <pink-beam...><mailto:<pink-beam...>> wrote:
Ted, I thought at first this was a flycatcher or a thrush but none of the written descriptions seem to match. So, I dunno…
But perhaps you or anyone on CObirders can help me i.d. a bird I heard here west of Loveland at 7000’ on May 31st. I have only my mnemonic and brief notes. I never saw the bird: “whit-d-d-d-d-dow” fast, breathy, repeated about 8 secs apart.
I expect soon someone will identify your mystery bird. Thanks – Dave Hyde/nr Storm Mtn, Larimer Cty.
From: Ted Floyd<mailto:<tedfloyd73...> Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 9:13 PM
To: Colorado Birds<mailto:<cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey, folks.
Less than an hour ago, I smartphone-recorded a beautiful bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County. Here's a link to the audio:
Date: 6/16/20 10:30 am From: Pauli Driver-Smith <hollyhockfarms...> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
My guess is the same. There is another Red-tailed Hawk nest a few trees away. Someone else suggested an Osprey but I really don’t think so, it is too far from water. The nearest reliable water/pond/lake is over a mile away, and would they nest that close to a red-tailed hawk nest? I wish I could spot the parents. That would really help.
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> On Behalf Of Michael T
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 10:37 AM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
These kids are Red-tail hawks.
Michael Tincher
Loveland, CO
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:05:42 AM UTC-6, Pauli wrote:
These were photographed in their nest just outside of Town Hall in Mead. Mead is in southwest Weld County.
Date: 6/16/20 9:42 am From: Rolf Hertenstein, Lyons <rfherten...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
Great picture! Based on the nest location and their beaks, I'd guess Red-tailed Hawk. The word "guess" is important.
Rolf Hertenstein, Lyons (Boulder County)
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:05:42 AM UTC-6, Pauli wrote: > > These were photographed in their nest just outside of Town Hall in Mead. > Mead is in southwest Weld County. > > > > Thanks! > > Pauli >
Date: 6/16/20 9:37 am From: Michael T <raptordefender...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
These kids are Red-tail hawks.
Michael Tincher Loveland, CO
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:05:42 AM UTC-6, Pauli wrote: > > These were photographed in their nest just outside of Town Hall in Mead. > Mead is in southwest Weld County. > > > > Thanks! > > Pauli >
Date: 6/16/20 9:18 am From: Caleb A <calebscotta...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
Hello Pauli! Fledglings never cease to confuse me, but you seem to have found young birds that have had time to grow a bit. I believe they are Osprey chicks, due to the color pattern of white/gray and a contrasting dark back. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County*
Date: 6/16/20 8:40 am From: Dave Hyde <pink-beam...> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Ted, I thought at first this was a flycatcher or a thrush but none of the written descriptions seem to match. So, I dunno…
But perhaps you or anyone on CObirders can help me i.d. a bird I heard her
