Sunday 31 March 2013

RE: [cobirds] status of "Red-backed" Junco in Colorado

Peter et al,
The bird at Red Rocks was photographed by Steve Mlodinow, not me.  Unfortunately I got no photos of the recent Crow Valley bird.  In his post, Steve said the Red Rocks bird was a good candidate for a hybrid between Red-backed and Gray-headed.  The other marks (besides the bill color feature you mentioned) stated in the literature are bill size (R-b a bit bigger than G-h) and pale throat and upper breast (that in R-b contrasts with the rest of the darker gray underparts, with G-h being uniformly gray underneath).

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins


Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2013 22:06:26 -0600
Subject: Re: [cobirds] status of "Red-backed" Junco in Colorado
From: peterburke@gmail.com
To: zebrilus@gmail.com
CC: cobirds@googlegroups.com

Doug & Cobirds,
Since we're on the topic of Red-backed vs. Gray-headed Juncos, the field mark I've been relying on is bill color: single color for Gray-headed, bi-colored in the case of Red-backed. My question is whether this character is diagnostic or not? The Junco David photographed at Red Rocks was sporting a bi-colored bill...

Good birding,
Peter Burke
Boulder, CO


On Sun, Mar 31, 2013 at 8:31 PM, Doug Faulkner <zebrilus@gmail.com> wrote:
David,

The Colorado Bird Records Committee does not have any record for that subspecies and I am unaware of any extralimital reports for other states north of its range.  My understanding is that Red-backed Junco does very little (if any) seasonal movement in a way that would be considered migration.  However, species that might be grouped in that category, like Greater Roadrunner and Canyon Towhee, occur out of range more frequently (and at quite some distance) than their non-migratory status would imply.   Due to its similarity with Gray-headed Junco, it's conceivable for Red-backed Junco to have occurred in the state and gone unnoticed.

Thanks for bringing this topic to our attention.  I for one will be thinking about this possibility anytime I come across a "red-backed" junco on the eastern plains.

good birding,

Doug Faulkner
Arvada, CO



On Sun, Mar 31, 2013 at 12:30 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman@msn.com> wrote:
The other day, buried amid a mixed-subject post, I asked (so far unanswered) if anyone on this listserv knows whether the so-called "Red-backed" Dark-eyed Junco has occurred in Colorado and/or whether it has any history whatsoever of occurring outside its normal range of Arizona to West Texas.  This subspecies is Junco hyemalis dorsalis and is considered distinct from our reddish-backed breeder in CO (aka the "Gray-headed Junco, J. h. caniceps).   I had a junco with a bright red back patch at Crow Valley the other day that "looked different" and it just got me to wondering about this junco subspecies.  Thanks.

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 


--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 



--
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/peter-burke/5/788/a62



--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

Re: [cobirds] status of "Red-backed" Junco in Colorado

Doug & Cobirds,
Since we're on the topic of Red-backed vs. Gray-headed Juncos, the field mark I've been relying on is bill color: single color for Gray-headed, bi-colored in the case of Red-backed. My question is whether this character is diagnostic or not? The Junco David photographed at Red Rocks was sporting a bi-colored bill...

Good birding,
Peter Burke
Boulder, CO


On Sun, Mar 31, 2013 at 8:31 PM, Doug Faulkner <zebrilus@gmail.com> wrote:
David,

The Colorado Bird Records Committee does not have any record for that subspecies and I am unaware of any extralimital reports for other states north of its range.  My understanding is that Red-backed Junco does very little (if any) seasonal movement in a way that would be considered migration.  However, species that might be grouped in that category, like Greater Roadrunner and Canyon Towhee, occur out of range more frequently (and at quite some distance) than their non-migratory status would imply.   Due to its similarity with Gray-headed Junco, it's conceivable for Red-backed Junco to have occurred in the state and gone unnoticed.

Thanks for bringing this topic to our attention.  I for one will be thinking about this possibility anytime I come across a "red-backed" junco on the eastern plains.

good birding,

Doug Faulkner
Arvada, CO



On Sun, Mar 31, 2013 at 12:30 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman@msn.com> wrote:
The other day, buried amid a mixed-subject post, I asked (so far unanswered) if anyone on this listserv knows whether the so-called "Red-backed" Dark-eyed Junco has occurred in Colorado and/or whether it has any history whatsoever of occurring outside its normal range of Arizona to West Texas.  This subspecies is Junco hyemalis dorsalis and is considered distinct from our reddish-backed breeder in CO (aka the "Gray-headed Junco, J. h. caniceps).   I had a junco with a bright red back patch at Crow Valley the other day that "looked different" and it just got me to wondering about this junco subspecies.  Thanks.

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 



--

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/peter-burke/5/788/a62


--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Sharp-shinned Hawk- Denver

Today on my way to work I saw a small bird of prey swooping from perch to perch across Downing at Ellsworth.  I decided to leave my route to work to get a better look.  I was able to view the bird several more times on Marion and identified it as a Sharp-shinned Hawk.  Gotta love birding on the way to work.

Patrick DePriest
Denver, 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Red-backed Junco

Greetings All

I am not certain how much redder the back of a Red-backed Junco is than that of a Gray-headed. However, Red-backed Juncos are somewhat larger billed and have more extensive black on the bill.

Last winter, I had a bird that has been judged a good candidate for a Red-backed x Gray-headed Junco at Red Rocks, viewable at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/6860773311/in/set-72157630054609698/ and the preceding photo in that set

Good Birding
Steven Mlodinow
Longmont 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

Re: [cobirds] status of "Red-backed" Junco in Colorado

David,

The Colorado Bird Records Committee does not have any record for that subspecies and I am unaware of any extralimital reports for other states north of its range.  My understanding is that Red-backed Junco does very little (if any) seasonal movement in a way that would be considered migration.  However, species that might be grouped in that category, like Greater Roadrunner and Canyon Towhee, occur out of range more frequently (and at quite some distance) than their non-migratory status would imply.   Due to its similarity with Gray-headed Junco, it's conceivable for Red-backed Junco to have occurred in the state and gone unnoticed.

Thanks for bringing this topic to our attention.  I for one will be thinking about this possibility anytime I come across a "red-backed" junco on the eastern plains.

good birding,

Doug Faulkner
Arvada, CO



On Sun, Mar 31, 2013 at 12:30 PM, DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman@msn.com> wrote:
The other day, buried amid a mixed-subject post, I asked (so far unanswered) if anyone on this listserv knows whether the so-called "Red-backed" Dark-eyed Junco has occurred in Colorado and/or whether it has any history whatsoever of occurring outside its normal range of Arizona to West Texas.  This subspecies is Junco hyemalis dorsalis and is considered distinct from our reddish-backed breeder in CO (aka the "Gray-headed Junco, J. h. caniceps).   I had a junco with a bright red back patch at Crow Valley the other day that "looked different" and it just got me to wondering about this junco subspecies.  Thanks.

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Nesting Great Blue Herons, Common Grackle at Metzger Farms (Adams County)

Went by Metzger Farm today around 3:30pm. Metzger Farm is the new open space park managed jointly by Broomfield and Westminster. The park is in Westminster - Adams County - but right on the edge of Broomfield at 121st and Lowell. There are two ponds: the smaller pond on the west is called the upper pond on the master plan. Not a lot of activity there at this time of day today, but there were a few mallards and some red-winged blackbirds. There's a significant expanse of reeds, I'd expect to see more red-winged and maybe yellow-headed blackbirds here.


The lower pond is the larger pond on the east. In the trees on the south side, toward the east end, we saw three Great Blue Herons nesting in a small rookery. I was a little surprised that they'd be nesting so close to 120th (it's Highway 287 there), but they seemed OK. Other birds near the lower pond: my FOS Common Grackle, plus Robins, Flicker, Magpies, and then Western Meadowlarks in the field to the north. We also got a good look at a muskrat, and there were many rabbits (no surprise).


This is the first spring this area has been open to the public, it will be interesting to see how it develops. There was quite a bit of foot/bicycle/dog traffic, as expected for an area so close to homes and the Big Dry Creek trails. Still, it's a nice addition and I'm excited that there are nesting herons so near.

Barry Gingrich
Broomfield, 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/qvlujN6M-dMJ.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Common Loon, North Poudre Reservoir #3, Larimer County (3/31/13)

This afternoon I found a Common Loon (appeared to be a first summer
plumage) at North Poudre Reservoir #3 in Larimer County (off of N.
County Rd. 11...near E. County Rd. 66). I was facing Northwest when I
saw it, it was a ways out there but got great views with my scope.
Believe it or not that's a lifer for me.......


Also to note the Osprey are back on the nest at Willox and Shields in
Northern Fort Collins. Beautiful to see!

Austin Hess
Fort Collins, Colorado

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Yellow-rumped Warbler Arap County

Happy Easter, Birders,

 

FOS Yellow-rumped Warbler, full breeding Audubon male drank twice at our little saucer of water under the Austrian pines in our back yard this afternoon. Ahhh. Close to Colo Blvd and Mineral in Centennial.

Carol Blackard
(303) 740-6072
carol-blackard@comcast.net
www.carolblackardphotography.com


[cobirds] Genesee Park - Jefferson County

Nothing unusual to report from here.  The typical species were around: Nuthatches, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Western Bluebirds, and at least one Williamson's Sapsucker.  There may have been as many as three or four.  I just couldn't be sure if I was seeing multiples or if I was just chasing the same bird around.
 
John Breitsch
Denver, Colorado

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/SR5mAhDyLQ4J.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Arapahoe County....Cherry Creek State Park

Spent the last couple days biking or running thru the park and enjoying the growing number of birds. Of note just around Cottonwood pond the last two days:
  • Cinnamon Teal
  • Green Wing Teal
  • Black Crowned Night Heron
  • Lesser Scaup
  • Mallards
  • Coots
  • Gadwells
  • Norther Shovelers
  • Bufflehead
  • Ring-Necked Duck
  • Belted Kingfisher
  • Northern Harrier
  • 5 Snow Geese still hanging around with the Canada Geese
Today in the yard at home (Quincy/Tower Rd) I have had 2-Bushtits hanging out all day. Nice to see the Morning Doves back as well.
 
Matt Newport
Aurora

 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Peregrine Falcon - Red Rocks - Jeffco

Birders,

this afternoon Tammy and I went over to Red Rocks looking for sparrows.  As I feared, way to many people and too many asses who decided they had to explore the pond area behind the Trading Post.

However, in scanning the rocks, we located 1 Peregrine on the rock just north of the TP as seen from the parking lot up the hill from the TP.  Sorry I don't know the names of the rocks.

 

Ira Sanders

Golden, CO

[cobirds] status of "Red-backed" Junco in Colorado

The other day, buried amid a mixed-subject post, I asked (so far unanswered) if anyone on this listserv knows whether the so-called "Red-backed" Dark-eyed Junco has occurred in Colorado and/or whether it has any history whatsoever of occurring outside its normal range of Arizona to West Texas.  This subspecies is Junco hyemalis dorsalis and is considered distinct from our reddish-backed breeder in CO (aka the "Gray-headed Junco, J. h. caniceps).   I had a junco with a bright red back patch at Crow Valley the other day that "looked different" and it just got me to wondering about this junco subspecies.  Thanks.

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

[cobirds] SE Colorado

Greetings birders -

Friday and Saturday, Jeff and I headed down to SE Colorado for a short
get-a-way. We lucked out with exceptional weather (moderate temps,
light winds) and even found a few decent birds:

Holbrook Reservoir: Partially filled with water. A good assortment of ducks.

Lake Cheraw: Shoreline looks good, but other than a small smattering
of ducks, not much there on Friday.

Higbee Cemetery/Higbee Road: The cemetery was quiet, but the road was
fairly birdy. Several miles up close to where the road narrows, we
found a pair of Black Phoebes singing and chasing each other about.

Vogel Canyon: Pretty much a bird-free zone. Exceptions included the
expected Canyon Wren and two Eastern Phoebes.

John Martin Dam: We parked on top of the dam and used the vantage
point to scope out the east end of the lake as well as Lake Hasty.
Large numbers of Double-crested Cormorants in full breeding attire
were hanging out with a sizeable flock of American White Pelicans.
Flying against the east face of the dam, I was surprised to find four
Cliff Swallows - it seemed a bit early.

Thurston Reservoir: Saturday morning we ventured to Thurston where a
trio of dancing Sandhill Cranes hung out in the cornfields to the
south. The mud at Thurston looks great, but alas only a handful of
Baird's Sandpipers and a few avocets where sharing the space with the
ducks and Killdeer.

Lamar CC: This location proved to be fairly quiet. A pair of
cardinals continue at the south end along with a very vocal Carolina
Wren near the middle. At the south end Dan Maynard and Mark Peterson
located a Harris' Sparrow hanging around with a White-crowned Sparrow.
In the distance, I could hear a Red-bellied Woodpecker. The resident
Wood Ducks have returned.

Two Buttes: We headed down to Two Buttes late in the morning
recognizing that many of the good birds Mark and Dan found in the
morning may well have gone silent. Jeff may have gotten a very brief
view of the Golden-crowned Sparrow seen earlier by Mark and Dan. I
had decent looks at the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker they also found. We
also located a Lesser Goldfinch. There is some water backed up behind
the dam. The mud looks decent and produced one Long-billed Dowitcher
and a few avocets in addition to the terribly common Killdeer.

All in all, we had a great trip puttering around some of our favorite
spots in SE Colorado.

Good birding,
Kathy Mihm Dunning
Denver

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Bohemian Waxwings, Loveland, Larimer

The beautiful waxwings are still here, though in greatly reduced numbers. Id estimate 80-100. We witnessed a mass - 600+ - exodus here last Monday.

Connie Kogler
Kingfisher Cabin, Loveland, CO
Sent from my iPad

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Dunlin doubles

Two more Dunlin at NWcorner of Union
Steve Mlodinow

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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Dunlin

Hello everybody,
The Dunlin are still at the pond near McIntosh along Harvard
Steve Mlodinow
Longmont

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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Re: Possibile Red-necked Grebe - Harriman Lake, Jeffco

Dave,
thanks for the ids and for the post.  Too bad they're not Red-necks, but I'm happy with any grebes.  Going back today with my scope.

Regina King
Littleton, CO

On Saturday, March 30, 2013 5:39:00 PM UTC-6, Dave Cameron wrote:
I went down to check the grebes around noontime.  There was one winter-plumage Horned Grebe, and one breeding-plumage Horned Grebe, so at first, I took them to be your pair.  While walking around the west end of the lake, I spotted a third grebe.  It took a while staring at it, as it was very uncooperative (6 seconds up, 30 seconds down, repeatedly, and always with its back to me).  It was quite mottled-looking, but I finally decided it was an Eared Grebe in transitional plumage.  When I finally got onto the North side, I got the definitive look in the scope to confirm this-- the yellow 'ears' are just coming in, the eye was bright red, and the rest of the bird looked like it just crawled out of a coal pit-- all smeary and smudgy looking.  But anyway, it's an Eared. 
 
There is also a breeding-plumage Horned on Crown Hill lake right now.  Crown Hill, unfortunately, is VERY low, and the pond back in the bird sanctuary is completely dry. 
 
Dave Cameron
Denver
 
 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/m1COkU5WpoEJ.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] HSR: Dinosaur Ridge (30 Mar 2013) 20 Raptors

Dinosaur Ridge
Colorado, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 30, 2013
SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason Total
Black Vulture000
Turkey Vulture099
Osprey011
Bald Eagle02727
Northern Harrier011
Sharp-shinned Hawk066
Cooper's Hawk11010
Northern Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk000
Broad-winged Hawk000
Red-tailed Hawk12130130
Rough-legged Hawk055
Swainson's Hawk000
Ferruginous Hawk088
Golden Eagle033
American Kestrel61818
Merlin000
Peregrine Falcon111
Prairie Falcon01313
Mississippi Kite000
Unknown Accipiter044
Unknown Buteo099
Unknown Falcon000
Unknown Eagle000
Unknown Raptor022
Total:20247247


Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official CounterLee Farrell
Observers: Erik Larsen, Jennifer Clay, Karen Balog, Linda Farrell, Pat Conner



Visitors:
A number of hikers stopped by the station for the view, with only a few individuals expressing interest in what we were doing. As usual, Park Patrol Rob Reilly stopped for a few hours and was vey helpful.

Weather:
A pleasant day on the hill, maintaining the optimum layers of clothing being the only challenge with the sun in and out from behind the clouds and the changing winds. Temperatures ranged from 6 to 16 degrees Celsius. Calm to light winds variable in direction were experienced throughout the morning developing into a stiffer breeze, 2-3 Beaufort out of the northwest for most of the afternoon.

Raptor Observations:
Observers during the day included Linda Farrell, Jennifer Clay, Karen Balog, Erik Larson, Nelson Ford, Pat Connor, and Ranger Rob Reilly. Calm to light winds of the morning made determination of resident vs migrator challenging as it sometimes can be. Four or five RTH were determined to be local. One first-year RTH (distinctive via missing primaries and secondaries) was first observed roaming about. Reappearing later, circled high, glided away to the north and was counted. Unusual, raptors continued to appear after 3:00 PM MST. While on the trail to the parking lot, two larger falcons were seen to pass by overhead (separate occasions) and were not counted. A local pair of RTH put on a nice aerial courtship display, also observed on the trip down to the parking lot.

Non-raptor Observations:
At least eight flocks of Mountain Bluebirds were seen heading north along the ridge. Non-raptor species included: Bushtit, American Crow, American Robin, Common Raven, Northern Flicker, Western Meadowlark, Townsend's Solitaire, Black-billed Magpie, White-throated Swift, Western Scrub-Jay.

Predictions:
A nice day with few clouds and low winds is predicted, similar migration counts as observed the last few days would seem likely. As sometimes occurs, the raptors may pass by at higher elevations with a clear sky.


Report submitted by Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (jeff.birek@rmbo.org)
Dinosaur Ridge information may be found at: http://www.rmbo.org/

Site Description
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawkwatch in Colorado and is the
best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Dinosaur Ridge may
be the best place in the country to see the rare dark morph of the Broad-winged
Hawk (a few are seen each spring). Hawkwatchers who linger long enough may see
resident Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Prairie Falcons, in addition to
migrating Swainson's, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels and
Turkey Vultures. Peregrine Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks are uncommon; Northern
Goshawk is rare but regular. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, and sometimes
Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, American White
Pelican or Dusky Grouse. Birders are always welcome.
The hawkwatch is generally staffed by volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory from about 9 AM to around 4 PM from the first week of March to the
first week of May.

Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left
into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow small signs from the south
side of lot to hawkwatch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track
and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the
trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, head through the gate, and walk to
the clearly-visible, flat area at the crest of the ridge.



[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, Sunday, March 31, 2013


Compiler:       Joyce Takamine
Date:             March 31, 2013
email:            rba AT cfobirds.org
phone:           303-659-8750

Happy Easter

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, March 31, sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.  If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by pressing the star key (*) on your phone at any time.  Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions, including county and dates for each sighting.  It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. 

Highlight species include: (* denotes that there is new information on this species in this report) 

Trumpeter Swan (Larimer)
Tundra Swan (Weld)
Long-tailed Duck (*Delta)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Larimer)
Red-necked Grebe (Weld)
Dunlin (*Boulder)
Thayer's Gull (Weld)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (*Larimer, Weld)
Glaucous Gull (Weld)
Great Black-backed Gull (Weld)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (*Boulder)
Eastern Phoebe (Douglas/Jefferson)
Varied Thrush (Larimer)
Bohemian Waxwing (El Paso, *Larimer)
Fox Sparrow (Jefferson)
Harris's Sparrow (El Paso, Weld)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (*Boulder, *Jefferson)
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (*Jackson, *Pitkin)
Black Rosy-Finch (*Jackson)
Common Redpoll (*Jackson, Jefferson, *Larimer)

BOULDER COUNTY:
--2 Dunlin were found by Cropper at McIntosh Lake in Longmont in the SE corner on March 30.  Nunes reported that the Dunlin had move to a pond NE from McIntosh on Harvard St on the afternoon of March 30.
--At Bohn Park in Lyons, Nunes reported an ad M Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on March 30.
--Nunes reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continues at Teller Farm on March 30.

DELTA COUNTY:
--A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Tischbein at Hart's Basin by the spillway on March 30.

DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--A M Eastern Phoebe was reported by Kibbe at "Phoebe Bridge" on Plum Creek Delta at Chatfield SP on March 28.

EL PASO COUNTY:
--100 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Getty in the neighborhood next to Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs on March 23. They were W of where Argus Blvd ends at Orion Dr. (W of tennis courts).
--A Harris's Sparrow was reported by Hinds at the feeders at the visitor center at Fountain Creek Nature Center on March 24.

JACKSON COUNTY:
--At a feeder in Walden, Kibbe reported 20+ Common Redpolls on March 30.
--At a private feeder just W of the Mouse Visitor Center, Kibbe reported all 3 species of Rosy-Finches on March 30.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the Red Rocks Trading Post, first reported by Henwood on October 26, was seen again on March 30 by Henwood.
--A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported by Henwood at Red Rocks Trading Post on March 23 and seen again on March 26 by Shade. 
--The Wheat Ridge Redpoll(s) have been showing up in late afternoon at the feeders at Bob Santangelo.  One returned on March 14, and 5 came on March 17.  Santangelo reported 2 Common Redpolls came to the feeders on March 23. His address is 3525 Estes.  Please do NOT park in the driveway, but is okay to park in front of the driveway and get out of cars to see the feeder.

LARIMER COUNTY:
--A Varied Thrush has been visiting the back yard feeders of Ken Allen in Fort Collins since Jan 15.  His address is 1719 Ticonderoga Dr.  Please call first home:  970-225-0988  or cell:  970-443-8093.    On March 17, Komar reported that the Varied Thrush was seen.  Allen reported on March 27 that the Varied Thrush continues to regularly visit his yard around 9-10 in the morning and late afternoon.  Birders are welcome to come by if they call him first.  
--150 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Kogler at Simpson Ponds SWA in Loveland on CR 9E on March 16.  On March 22, Kogler reported 400 Bohemian Waxwings at Simpson Ponds SWA.  They split into smaller flocks and were seen on the N and E sides of the north pond.  On March 29, Goff reported Bohemian Waxwings on the N border of the SWA.  Please park in the SWA parking lot.  DO NOT park along the road or on private property.  
--60 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Bruening at Laurel and Whitcom across from the CSU campus in Fort Collins on March 18.  On March 20, Gingrich reported flocks of Bohemian Waxwings at Laurel and Whitcom and at Laurel and Loomis.
--500 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Birek in a backyard near the NW corner of Loomis and Myrtle in Fort Collins on March 24.
--200 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Shenot in Old town Fort Collins at Oak and Mathews in short trees on March 27.
--A M Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Keirn at Fossil Creek Reservoir in Fort Collins on March 25.
--A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Komar on North Hoffman Lake in Loveland on March 16.  Cropper refound the Trumpeter Swan at North Hoffman Lake on March 27.  The swan was not seen on March 30.
--On March 29, Sparks reported that the Common Redpolls and a possible Hoary are still visiting the feeders behind the Discovery Museum in Fort Collins and he reported some Bohemian Waxwings along the bike trail at Lee Martinez Park.
--At Horseshoe Lake, Komar reported 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls on March 30.

PITKIN COUNTY:
--Filby reported Gray-crowned and Brown capped Rosy-Finches at the top of Village Express at Snowmass on March 27.  His next free bird tour is on April 3.

WELD COUNTY:
--2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Sheeter at Firestone Gravel pits on the pond closest to Hwy 119 on March 1.  Kibbe refound the 2 Red-necked Grebes at Firestone Gravel pits on March 24.
--On March 16 at Black Hollow, Mlodinow reported 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 ad Thayer's Gull.  At Black Hollow Reservoir on March 24, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull ad, 2 imm), 1 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, 1 Thayer's Gull, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.  At the pond on CR 46 and E of CR 37 on March 24, Mlodinow reported 6 Tundra Swans.
--At Windsor Lake on March 20, Mlodinow reported 1- Thayer's Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  At Windsor Lake on March 24, Mlodinow reported 3 Thayer's Gulls and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
--At Woods Lake on CR 74 E of CR 27, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull on March 20.  On March 24, at Woods Lake, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull and a singing Harris's Sparrow.
--At Drake Lake on March 24, Mlodinow reported a Great Black-backed Gull.  On March 28, Lefko found a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Drake Lake.
--At Windsor Reservoir on March 24, Mlodinow reported Great Black-backed Gull, 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, and 1-st cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull.

The DFO field trip for Sunday, March 31, has been changed from the Guanella Pass Ptarmigan trip to a field trip to Bear Creek Lake Park.  The road to Guanella Pass has not been cleared.  The trip will now go to Bear Creek Lake Park led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728).  Meet the leader at 0800 at the northwest corner of C-470 and Morrison Road.  Carpool drivers will need a pass to BCLP.  Telescopes and radios will be helpful.  Half day trip.  Please register with the leader.

Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

Saturday 30 March 2013

[cobirds] Larimer County gulls

Cobirders,
 
I checked out a bunch of lakes in the Loveland area this afternoon (Saturday, March 30). Upper Hoffman Lake and Cattail Pond were both notably chock full of waterfowl with good variety, but nothing rare. The Trumpeter Swan apparently has moved on. The best gull action was at Horseshoe Lake's west side, best viewed from the end of Engelman Place, off Monroe St. Lots of pink-breasted Franklin's Gulls, and 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were among hundreds of California Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls, with a smattering of American Herring Gulls. Gulls were fairly close for viewing, but a telescope is needed for quality views. I have posted photos in my Recent Sightings gallery at www.pbase.com/quetzal.
 
Nick Komar
Fort Collins, CO

[cobirds] Routt County

Planning a trip to Routt County's CR 80 lek?
Only the first mile of the road in currently passable, even with 4 wheel drive, and the remainder (past the "Dusky Grouse cattleguard") in still snow covered and likely to be undriveable for another 2 weeks.  But you can always walk....!
 
Four Sandhill cranes and one TV were seen along the river between Steamboat Springs and Hayden.
 
Doug Kibbe
Mackenzie Goldthwait
Jeff Dawson
Littleton, Co. 

[cobirds] Jackson County

Saturday morning the Greater Sage Grouse lek at Delaney Buttes SWA hosted 9 male and 2 female grouse, but displaying had ceased about 8AM.
A feeder in Walden on Garfield held 20+ Common Redpolls most of the morning.
The feeders at the Moose Visitor Center were dominated by Red-winged Blackbirds although two Pine Grosbeaks braved the hungry horde.  An adult Northern Goshawk, which crossed the parking lot as we arrived, may hasten the departure of some of these birds.
 
Three species of rosy finches and more Pine Grosbeaks were at a private feeder a bit west of the Visitor Center.
 
Doug Kibbe
Mackenzie Goldthwait
Jeff Dawson
Littleton
 

[cobirds] Boulder County-- Dunlin, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Sparrow, etc.

Birders,

David Waltman and I had a lovely afternoon birding around Boulder County, and we dipped out toes into Larimer Co. We started out at McIntosh Reservoir where the Dunlin were MIA, but we had some small conciliation with a bright CLARK'S GREBE and two distant peeps that I deemed to be a LEAST and a BAIRD'S. 

We checked out the small pond that's just to the NE of McIntosh, along Harvard St. The two DUNLIN were there, as were 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. This pond has a lot of exposed mud and will be worth checking throughout the shorebird migration season if the water level remains where it is. 

Next stop was the parking lot of Bohn Park in Lyons. There's been an adult male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER hanging out there. He was easy to find in the Ponderosa Pines along the edge of the baseball field that are covered in sapsucker wells.

We visited Davis' house on the border of Boulder and Larimer Counties. We had to wait a while, but eventually a flock of 8 PINYON JAYS flew out of Boulder and came in to Larimer for a snack. 

The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues in the cottonwoods just west of the Champion Cottonwood on Crane Hollow Rd. 

Clover Basin Reservoir is full of ducks, as usual, including a couple of GREATER SCAUP. Eight TREE SWALLOWS were foraging over the water, too. 

At the NW corner of Boulder Reservoir, we found 1 BONAPARTE'S GULL walking around the mudflats. Two EARED GREBES were also present, distinctly not in alternate plumage like most of their HORNED cousins we saw today. 

A quick stop at Teller Farm produced the adult GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. 

Good birding

Christian Nunes
Boulder, CO
pajaroboy@hotmail.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christian_nunes/

[cobirds] recent birds in the Roaring Fork Valley

Hi all

 

Good to be back in sunny and warm Colorado... the UK has barely gotten above freezing for weeks.. which is very abnormal for March

 

Highlights in the yard have included 2 LINCOLN’S SPARROWS for the past few days, they stage here in the spring, and FOS 2 TURKEY VULTURES over this evening.

 

Meanwhile at Snowmass there have been several ROSY-FINCHES at the feeder at the top of the Village Express Chairlift (I saw them Wednesday) including Gray-crowned and Brown-capped but no Blacks (yet).  My next free bird tour there will be next Wednesday, March 3rd.

 

Looks like the Osprey nest across the Roaring Fork from the house is again occupied by Canada Geese, but hopefully the Ospreys will move in soon!

 

There was a report of “white geese” near Catherine Store Carbondale a few days ago..

 

Good birding all

 

Dick Filby

Carbondale

 

[cobirds] Re: Possibile Red-necked Grebe - Harriman Lake, Jeffco

I went down to check the grebes around noontime.  There was one winter-plumage Horned Grebe, and one breeding-plumage Horned Grebe, so at first, I took them to be your pair.  While walking around the west end of the lake, I spotted a third grebe.  It took a while staring at it, as it was very uncooperative (6 seconds up, 30 seconds down, repeatedly, and always with its back to me).  It was quite mottled-looking, but I finally decided it was an Eared Grebe in transitional plumage.  When I finally got onto the North side, I got the definitive look in the scope to confirm this-- the yellow 'ears' are just coming in, the eye was bright red, and the rest of the bird looked like it just crawled out of a coal pit-- all smeary and smudgy looking.  But anyway, it's an Eared. 
 
There is also a breeding-plumage Horned on Crown Hill lake right now.  Crown Hill, unfortunately, is VERY low, and the pond back in the bird sanctuary is completely dry. 
 
Dave Cameron
Denver
 
 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/D4FanCST6oUJ.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

Re: [cobirds] Boulder dunlin have moved

As of 4pm, the Dunlins are still at the small pond northeast of McIntosh Reservoir on Harvard Street.  Also found in the small pond were 5 Greater Yellowlegs and a smattering of Mallards.
 
Bryan Guarente
Instructional Designer
The COMET Program
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Boulder, CO


From: Christian Nunes <pajaroboy@hotmail.com>
To: "cobirds@googlegroups.com " <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2013 2:02 PM
Subject: [cobirds] Boulder dunlin have moved

They are in the small pond just north east from mcintosh on harvard st.

Christian nunes


Sent with Verizon Mobile Email

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.




[cobirds] DFO Denver City Park field trip. Wood Ducks, creepers, nesting night herons

Denver Field Ornithologists spent a morning field trip at Denver City Park this morning. About 150 Double-crested Cormorant nests were active at Duck Lake, and 9 Black-crowned Night Herons were attending nests on Ferril Lake island. A male and female Wood Duck were on the lake and 2 Brown Creepers were seen.

Denver--City Park, Denver, US-CO
Mar 30, 2013 7:50 AM - 10:56 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Denver Field Ornithologists. Leader  Chuck Hundertmark. Jean Bogan, Bob Gobeille, Ray Harrison, Kylie and Veronica Mattes. 44 degrees F. No wind. Partly cloudy. Urban park with two lakes and nest islands. Submitted from  BirdLog for Android v1.6
22 species

Cackling Goose  100
Canada Goose  200
Wood Duck  2     Male and female
Mallard  5
Northern Shoveler  21
Canvasback  2
Ring-necked Duck  4
Lesser Scaup  14
Bufflehead  5
Common Goldeneye  6
Double-crested Cormorant  200     Birds on about 150 nests on Duck Lake island. Nest building and courtship.
Black-crowned Night-Heron  9     At nests on island in Ferril Lake.  Courtship and nest building. Photos
American Coot  1
Ring-billed Gull  14
Rock Pigeon  6
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)  6
American Crow  2
Black-capped Chickadee  4
Brown Creeper  2
American Robin  5
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  13

--
Chuck Hundertmark
2546 Lake Meadow Drive
Lafayette, CO 80026
303-604-0531
Cell: 720-771-8659

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Black phoebe, Fremont Co

Had a black phoebe this morning along the Arkansas River near the bridge by the Holcim plant in Fremont County.
 
David Chartier
Colorado Springs

[cobirds] Boulder dunlin have moved

They are in the small pond just north east from mcintosh on harvard st.

Christian nunes


Sent with Verizon Mobile Email

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Re: [cobirds] Dunlin at McIntosh

SE corner

On Mar 30, 2013 12:15 PM, "Glenn Walbek" <juncos@comcast.net> wrote:
2 Dunlin and a Least Sandpiper... found by Cade Cropper and reported to me by Cole Wild...I will have some pics up later.


Glenn Walbek
Castle Rock, 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Bluebirds have moved on

On Wed, there were literally hundreds of bluebirds on Roxborough Rd.   Today, I saw maybe a dozen. Apparently, they've moved on.

Regards
–Greg Pasquariello

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Dunlin at McIntosh

2 Dunlin and a Least Sandpiper... found by Cade Cropper and reported to me by Cole Wild...I will have some pics up later.


Glenn Walbek
Castle Rock, 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Possibile Red-necked Grebe - Harriman Lake, Jeffco

Birded Harriman Lake this morning 9-10 AM.

This small lake has recently undergone an "improvement" in conjunction with replacement of the 130-year old dam.  Completely drained for the past year-and-a half, it is now refilled.  Part of the improvement was to remove most of brushy areas along the south side and the shallow east end, including all of the cattails & reeds which used to maintain a nice population of muskrats, and provided good habitat for our local Great Blue Heron and an occasional egret . I heard the first of the singing Red-winged Blackbirds this morning, which I found surprising due to the lack of habitat for them now.   A couple of weeks ago a I posted newly arrived waterfowl including Wigeon, Red-heads, Ringnecks. Gadwall, Pintail, Coot, Green-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Canada Geese and Mallards, Killdeer and many Crows.  These all remain, the Teal are definitely paired-up, the Ring-necks and Redheads sleeping the in middle of the lake.  

Today I located a pair of grebes.  I think they might be Red-necked Grebes. Definitely larger than the Horned, Eared or Pied-billed, but smaller than the Western. I am pretty familiar with Western Grebe, and usually see a pair in this lake in spring and fall, and also at BCLP.  The birds I saw today had a shorter, somewhat thicker neck.  The lighting was such that I could not distinguish any color, but I don't think these were Western Grebes.

If anyone is interested in checking out these birds, Harrimann Lake is located at the southwest corner of S. Kipling & Quincy.  There is parking on the west side of Kipling, just south of Quincy on the north side of the firehouse.  The grebes were diving at the western (deeper) end of the lake.  I would appreciate hearing if anyone makes a positive id.

Regina King
Littleton, CO

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/hEOnVj_QdJ0J.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[cobirds] Las Animas county new arrivals

Heard FOS Chipping sparrows in yard this AM. Also had fly over by single Turkey Vulture. Last two days have had male Red-naked sapsucker in our aspens, drilling away. #s of Pine siskins continue along with a few Evening grosbeaks at feeders.

Paul Tennery
Las Animas county
Twelve miles west of Trinidad and 4 miles south of Hiway 12.

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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Great-tailed Grackle in Boulder County

I spotted 1 male Great-tailed Grackle west of Longmont this morning Just north of Blue Mountain Elementary school. It was moving west, towards newly acquired Boulder County open space property.

Kat Bradley-Bennett
katpbennett@gmail.com

--
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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/WQiiGI9q1dIJ.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Common Redpoll Documentation Wanted/CBRC

Hi COBirders,

Common Redpoll has not yet been documented online for the CBRC in the following counties: Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Baca, Boulder, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Denver, Gilpin, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Kiowa, Kit Carson, La Plata, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Morgan, Otero, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Rio Blanco, Saguache, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Washington, or Yuma

Have you seen Common Redpoll in any of these counties? If so, please consider documentation for the CBRC.

The Colorado Bird Records Committee would like to have documentation for the Common Redpoll invasion this year.

We would very much appreciate documentations for new counties, AND documentations for all occurrences in areas away from the northern Front Range (SE corner, San Luis Valley, West Slope, etc.), as well as first/last dates of "major" feeder flocks regardless of location (e.g., Discovery Museum, Larimer County) so we capture the full extent of the invasion.

If you would like to use the online system, instructions are below. If you would rather use paper, let me know and I can email you a form that you can print out.

But, using the CBRC online system is easy. If you have never submitted an online record before you will need to create a user profile before submitting your documentation. You can do this here: http://cfobirds.org/CBRC/register.php

If you are already registered or after you have finished completing your profile, please go to: http://cfobirds.org/CBRC/login.php to sign in.

After signing in click on "Enter a Record" from the top menu (http://cfobirds.org/CBRC/records/index.php) to enter your documentation.

Here you will find the easy to use online form.

In the first step choose the drop down menu for "Common Name." Choose "Common Redpoll". Complete this section and then continue with the rest of the form.

You can submit photos or other media at the end of this process. You can also follow your record as it goes through the committee by signing into your account at any time and clicking on "My Sightings".

I can help you if you run into any problems along the way so please let me know if you hit a snag.

We appreciate your help in keeping Colorado's bird database complete! Thanks all.

------------------

Rachel Hopper

Secretary

Colorado Bird Records Committee

[cobirds] Spring Migrants Pueblo area 3/29-3/30

Yesterday (29 March), I saw my first of the year spring migrant Greater Yellowlegs (Pueblo County), Sage Thrasher (El Paso and Pueblo Counties), Lincoln's Sparrow (El Paso County), five Burrowing Owls (Pueblo County), and lots of Cinnamon Teal (Pueblo County).
 
This morning (30 March), I saw my first Franklin's Gull for the year at Cattail Crossing in Pueblo West, it was being chased around by a male Red-winged Blackbird.

At the SWA in the NW Side of Pueblo Reservoir, I saw my first two Bonaparte's Gulls for the spring.

Good spring birding,

Brandon Percival
Pueblo West, CO

[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco

Good Morning All,

Shortly after 7 this morning the adult Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared
along with the adult White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) on the flat rock
slab under the upper apple tree at the feeders behind the Red Rocks
Trading Post.
Seeing both birds together emphasized the size difference - the Golden-
crowned is a tad bit larger and heavier than the White-crowned across
the back and and chest. I did not see the Fox Sparrow, but I was not
there long.

Just a reminder: Sunrise Services will be held at Red Rocks tomorrow
morning (Easter Sunday) and they expect 10,000 or so people to attend.

Mike Henwood
Morrison
Jefferson 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@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Fwd: Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, March 30, 2013



Compiler:       Joyce Takamine
Date:             March 30, 2013
email:            rba AT cfobirds.org
phone:           303-659-8750

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, March 30, sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.  If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by pressing the star key (*) on your phone at any time.  Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions, including county and dates for each sighting.  It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. 

Highlight species include: (* denotes that there is new information on this species in this report) 


Trumpeter Swan (Larimer)

Tundra Swan (Weld)

EURASIAN WIGEON (Weld)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Larimer)

Red-necked Grebe (Weld)

Thayer's Gull (Weld)

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Weld)
Glaucous Gull (Weld)

Great Black-backed Gull (Weld)

Eastern Phoebe (Douglas/Jefferson)

Varied Thrush (Larimer)

Bohemian Waxwing (El Paso, *Larimer)

Fox Sparrow (Jefferson)

Harris's Sparrow (El Paso, Weld)

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson)

Common Redpoll (Jefferson)

DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--A M Eastern Phoebe was reported by Kibbe at "Phoebe Bridge" on Plum Creek Delta at Chatfield SP on March 28.

EL PASO COUNTY:
--100 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Getty in the neighborhood next to Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs on March 23. They were W of where Argus Blvd ends at Orion Dr. (W of tennis courts).
--A Harris's Sparrow was reported by Hinds at the feeders at the visitor center at Fountain Creek Nature Center on March 24.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:

--The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the Red Rocks Trading Post, first reported by Henwood on October 26, was seen again on March 26 by Shade.

--A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported by Henwood at Red Rocks Trading Post on March 23 and seen again on March 26 by Shade. 

--The Wheat Ridge Redpoll(s) have been showing up in late afternoon at the feeders at Bob Santangelo.  One returned on March 14, and 5 came on March 17.  Santangelo reported 2 Common Redpolls came to the feeders on March 23. His address is 3525 Estes.  Please do NOT park in the driveway, but is okay to park in front of the driveway and get out of cars to see the feeder.


LARIMER COUNTY:

--A Varied Thrush has been visiting the back yard feeders of Ken Allen in Fort Collins since Jan 15.  His address is 1719 Ticonderoga Dr.  Please call first home:  970-225-0988  or cell:  970-443-8093.    On March 17, Komar reported that the Varied Thrush was seen.  Allen reported on March 27 that the Varied Thrush continues to regularly visit his yard around 9-10 in the morning

and late afternoon.  Birders are welcome to come by if they call him first.  

--150 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Kogler at Simpson Ponds SWA in Loveland on CR 9E on March 16.  On March 22, Kogler reported 400 Bohemian Waxwings at Simpson Ponds SWA.  They split into smaller flocks and were seen on the N and E sides of the north pond.  On March 29, Goff Bohemian Waxwings on the N border of the SWA.  Please park in the SWA parking lot.  DO NOT park along the road or on private property.  

--60 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Bruening at Laurel and Whitcom across from the CSU campus in Fort Collins on March 18.  On March 20, Gingrich reported flocks of Bohemian Waxwings at Laurel and Whitcom and at Laurel and Loomis.

--Several large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Meyer around the old bridge that crosses over the Poudre River to McMurry Natural Area on March 19.

--500 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Birek in a backyard near the NW corner of Loomis and Myrtle in Fort Collins on March 24.

--200 Bohemian Waxwings were reported by Shenot in Old town Fort Collins at Oak and Mathews in short trees on March 27.

--A M Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Keirn at Fossil Creek Reservoir in Fort Collins on March 25.

--A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Komar on North Hoffman Lake in Loveland on March 16.  Cropper refound the Trumpeter Swan at North Hoffman Lake on March 27.


WELD COUNTY:

--2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Sheeter at Firestone Gravel pits on the pond closest to Hwy 119 on March 1.  Kibbe refound the 2 Red-necked Grebes at Firestone Gravel pits on March 24.

--On March 16 at Black Hollow, Mlodinow reported 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 ad Thayer's Gull.  At Black Hollow Reservoir on March 24, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull

--An Eurasian Wigeon was reported by Mlodinow at CR 59 Ponds just S of US 34 near Kersey on March 20.  Birchmeirer refound the Eurasian Wigeon on March 21.  

--At a pond E of CR 37 and CR 46 on March 20, Mlodinow reported 7 Tundra Swans (5 ad, 2 imm), 1 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, 1 Thayer's Gull, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.  At the pond on CR 46 and E of CR 37 on March 24, Mlodinow reported 6 Tundra Swans.

--At Windsor Lake on March 20, Mlodinow reported 1- Thayer's Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  At Windsor Lake on March 24, Mlodinow reported 3 Thayer's Gulls and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

--At Woods Lake on CR 74 E of CR 27, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull on March 20.  On March 24, at Woods Lake, Mlodinow reported 1 Thayer's Gull and a singing Harris's Sparrow.

--At Seeley Reservoir on CR 66 between CR 33 and CR 37 on March 20, Mlodinow reported 4 Thayer's Gulls and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

--At Drake Lake on March 24, Mlodinow reported a Great Black-backed Gull.  On March 28, Lefko found a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Drake Lake.

--At Windsor Reservoir on March 24, Mlodinow reported Great Black-backed Gull, 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, and 1-st cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull.


The DFO field trip for Saturday, March 30 will be to Denver City Park for a Cormorant Photo Trip led by Chuck Hundertmark (303-604-0531)  Meet the leader at 0730 at parking strip at Duck Lake.  From Colorado Blvd, turn west onto 22nd Ave and go past the Museum of Nature and Science. Turn left just before the zoo at the sign to the Pavillion Bandstand.  Park on the left at the parking area closest to Duck Lake.  Will photograph and observe early nesting behavior of Double-crested Cormornants at Duck Lake for about an hour.  Will walk the park for migrants and early nesters.  Will head to museum for lunch.   Bring laptops to download photos and compare shots.  Bring water, snacks, binoculars, camera with optional tripod and scopes.  Half day trip plus lunch at museum.  Limit of 10 participants.  Call or email leader if you plan to attend.  chundertmark8@gmail.com


The DFO field trip for Sunday, March 31, has been changed from the Guanella Pass Ptarmigan trip to a field trip to Bear Creek Lake Park.  The road to Guanella Pass has not been cleared.  The trip will now go to Bear Creek Lake Park led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728).  Meet the leader at 0800 at the northwest corner of C-470 and Morrison Road.  Carpool drivers will need a pass to BCLP.  Telescopes and radios will be helpful.  Half day trip.  Please register with the leader.


Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

















--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.