Birding around Cherry Creek State Park -- in general, reasonable variety but birding was still a bit "slow". There is some serious road construction where the park road crosses over Cherry Creek and through the swampy areas. It is single lane with an after hours traffic signal (this can be a 5-10 minute wait). Be prepared for 15-20 minute construction delays during the day. The lake water level is high and there is very little shoreline or mudflat available for wading birds.
Around the Cottonwood Wetlands on the southwest side of the park was probably the most interesting birding. An Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk flew over head. One splendid male Ring-necked Pheasant flew up and hid in the brush. In the wetlands included Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, White-faced Ibis, Mallard and a Gadwall pair. I like this new wetlands area, but as it grows in, it's challenging to see birds -- I actually stood up in the back of my pickup see beyond the willow.
Hiking on the "Wetlands Trail" past the reservoir Observation Point (Prairie Loop) is a very muddy affair. I trashed another pair of socks. Back in there however, there were numerous Northern Flicker, Robin, Double-crested Cormorant on the logs in the lake, Starlings, House Wren and Downy Woodpecker. Also visible from the shore in the back coves were American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead and one Great Blue Heron. I was hoping to see any warbler, but none to be seen or heard.
I spooked a family of beaver on the old wooden bridge over Cottonwood Creek. There were two kits and two adults. We noticed each other all at the same time and there was a great commotion of tail slapping! I did manage to get a few photos of the adults beaver.
Walking the Dam (new trail goes all the way across now!), there were a number of Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Brewer's Blackbird -- and a noticeable absence of Gull and Geese. The gnats and grasshoppers are very active -- a little bug spray is recommended! When the pelican gather together, there are enough of them to form a nice raft or squadron at times.
Near the Marina, I did notice a great little sparrow -- but I can't quite make the identification! If anyone could help me, I would appreciate IDENTIFICATION HELP! Thanks. I can talk myself into Savannah, Song and Vesper Sparrow but lack the confidence to decide. The sparrow was silent during my view.
https://picasaweb.google.com/109076502973383280668/CherryCreekStateParkApril242014
Ben Kemena
Denver, Colorado
Around the Cottonwood Wetlands on the southwest side of the park was probably the most interesting birding. An Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk flew over head. One splendid male Ring-necked Pheasant flew up and hid in the brush. In the wetlands included Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, White-faced Ibis, Mallard and a Gadwall pair. I like this new wetlands area, but as it grows in, it's challenging to see birds -- I actually stood up in the back of my pickup see beyond the willow.
Hiking on the "Wetlands Trail" past the reservoir Observation Point (Prairie Loop) is a very muddy affair. I trashed another pair of socks. Back in there however, there were numerous Northern Flicker, Robin, Double-crested Cormorant on the logs in the lake, Starlings, House Wren and Downy Woodpecker. Also visible from the shore in the back coves were American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead and one Great Blue Heron. I was hoping to see any warbler, but none to be seen or heard.
I spooked a family of beaver on the old wooden bridge over Cottonwood Creek. There were two kits and two adults. We noticed each other all at the same time and there was a great commotion of tail slapping! I did manage to get a few photos of the adults beaver.
Walking the Dam (new trail goes all the way across now!), there were a number of Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Brewer's Blackbird -- and a noticeable absence of Gull and Geese. The gnats and grasshoppers are very active -- a little bug spray is recommended! When the pelican gather together, there are enough of them to form a nice raft or squadron at times.
Near the Marina, I did notice a great little sparrow -- but I can't quite make the identification! If anyone could help me, I would appreciate IDENTIFICATION HELP! Thanks. I can talk myself into Savannah, Song and Vesper Sparrow but lack the confidence to decide. The sparrow was silent during my view.
https://picasaweb.google.com/109076502973383280668/CherryCreekStateParkApril242014
Ben Kemena
Denver, Colorado
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