[cobirds] OSPREY PAIR,Loveland,Larimer Cnty

Hi All,

The Osprey pair is back working on their nest at the platform on Namaqua Rd. (1 big block W. of Wilson Ave.) halfway between Eisenhower and 1st.

Elaine Coley, Loveland

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[cobirds] Dinosaur Ridge (31 Mar 2016) 1 Raptors

Dinosaur Ridge
Colorado, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 31, 2016
Species	Day's Count	Month Total	Season Total
Black Vulture	0	0	0
Turkey Vulture	0	15	15
Osprey	0	1	1
Bald Eagle	0	9	9
Northern Harrier	0	3	3
Sharp-shinned Hawk	0	9	9
Cooper's Hawk	1	7	7
Northern Goshawk	0	0	0
Red-shouldered Hawk	0	0	0
Broad-winged Hawk	0	0	0
Red-tailed Hawk	0	182	182
Rough-legged Hawk	0	0	0
Swainson's Hawk	0	0	0
Ferruginous Hawk	0	2	2
Golden Eagle	0	1	1
American Kestrel	0	13	13
Merlin	0	0	0
Peregrine Falcon	0	3	3
Prairie Falcon	0	5	5
Mississippi Kite	0	0	0
Unknown Accipiter	0	10	10
Unknown Buteo	0	13	13
Unknown Falcon	0	5	5
Unknown Eagle	0	0	0
Unknown Raptor	0	2	2
Total:	1	280	280

Observation start time:	07:45:00
Observation end time:	09:15:00
Total observation time:	1.5 hours
Official Counter	Roger Rouch
Observers:

Visitors:
None.

Weather:
Initially decent visibility quickly diminished as a storm moved in from the east and north. Near freezing temperatures and a few inches of new snow from the previous night. The watch was ended early due to poor visibility, moderate snowfall, and a forecast for the same, although I had second thoughts when getting back to town and better weather.

Raptor Observations:
One migrating Cooper's and a local Prairie falcon.

Non-raptor Observations:
Also seen or heard were Western Meadowlark, Common Raven, Black-billed Magpie, and American Robin.

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Report submitted by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (jeff.birek@birdconservancy.org)
Dinosaur Ridge information may be found at: http://www.birdconservancy.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 Bird Conservancy of the
Rockies from about 9 AM to around 3 PM from March 1st to May 7th.

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.

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[cobirds] Colorado conservation easements

Hello birders,

My three year old grandson, Charlie, likes to work on kiddie jigsaw puzzles, while saying, "This is how you do it." And "This is how you NOT do it."
Colorado conservation easements have been in the news lately.
Click here for "how you do it."
Click here for "how you NOT do it."
Conservation easements can be great for birds and people if done right, quite a mess and counter-productive if done wrong.

Tom Wilberding
Littleton, CO

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[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 31 March 2016

Compiler:   Joyce Takamine

e-mail:     RBA AT cobirds.org

Date:  March 31, 2016

This is the Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, March 31, sponsored by Denver Field

Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species).

 

Eurasian Wigeon (La Plata)

Mallard (Mexican) (Conejos, Weld)

Surf Scoter (Eagle)

White-winged Scoter (Las Animas)

Long-tailed Duck (*Arapahoe, El Paso, Jefferson, Mesa)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Delta, Eagle, Huerfano, Weld)

Chukar (*Gunnison)

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Weld)

Greater Prairie Chicken (Yuma)

Red-throated Loon (*Mesa)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Montrose)

Thayer's Gull (*Jefferson, Larimer)

ICELAND GULL (Larimer)

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Bent, *Larimer, *Weld)

Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Kiowa)

Greater Roadrunner (Huerfano)

Red-belllied Woodpecker (Bent)

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (El Paso)

Eastern Phoebe (Larimer, Prowers)

Black Phoebe (Crowley, Delta, Eagle, Huerfano, Mesa, Pueblo)

Chihuahuan Raven (*Baca, Boulder)

Winter Wren (Jefferson)

Bewick's Wren (*Baca, *Mesa, Pueblo)

Varied Thrush (Arapahoe)

Gray Catbird (Jefferson)

Curve-billed Thrasher (Bent, Pueblo)

Chestnut-collared Longspur (Kiowa, Lincoln, Weld)

McCown's Longspur (Kiowa, Lincoln, Weld)

Yellow-throated Warbler (Larimer)

Rufous-crowned Sparrow (*Baca)

Canyon Towhee  (Bent, Otero, Pueblo)

Sagebrush Sparrow (Conejos, Douglas, Jefferson)

Fox Sparrow (Washington)

Northern Cardinal (*Boulder)

EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Lincoln)

Great-tailed Grackle (Costilla, Douglas, *Jefferson, Lincoln, Mesa, Pueblo, Weld)

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle, Summit)

Black Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle, Jefferson, Summit)

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle)

PURPLE FINCH (Sedgwick)

ARAPAHOE COUNTY:

--A 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull was reported by Gene Rutherford at Cherry Creek SP on March 20.  On March 25, Cheryl Teuton reported imm Glaucous Gull and ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cherry Creek SP.

--On March 22, a m Varied Thrush visited the yard of Becky Campbell just south of Cherry Creek SP.  If it returns on 3/23, she

will post to CoBirds for those who would like to see it.  On March 23, Becky Campbell and Tom Behnfield reported Varied Thrush

south of Cherry Creek SP.  On March 24, Becky Campbell, Doug Kibbe, and Chris Brown reported Varied Thrush south of Cherry Creek SP. On March 25, Becky Campbell reported Varied Thrush in you yard.  On March 26, Becky Campbell and several others reported Varied Thrush in her yard.  On March 28, Becky Campbell reported that the Varied Thrush continues to visit her yard.  Contact Becky at 3rdgenbirder AT gmail.com.

--On March 29, Michael Kiessig reported 1 f Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.  On March 30, Sue RIffe reported a pair of Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.

BACA COUNTY:

--On March 30, Nathan Goldberg reported Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chihuahuan Raven and Bewick's Wren at Cottonwood Canyon.

BENT COUNTY:

--An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Duane Nelson at John Martin Reservoir on March 18.  Duane reported that

the road over the dam is once again open to the public during daylight hours.

--On March 18, Duane Nelson reported Red-bellied Woodpecker, Canyon Towhee, and Curve-billed Thrasher visiting his yard in Las Animas.  On March 28, Duane Nelson reported that the Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to visit.  If you would like to try to see these birds please contact him at dnelson1 AT centurytel.net.

BOULDER COUNTY:

--On March 26, John Vanderpoel reported 11 Chihuahuan Ravens at Lagerman Reservoir.

--On March 29, Jon Webb reported Northern Cardinal in old North Boulder neighborhood east of Broadway and north of Iris.  The

Cardinal seems to be ranging further east than in the past.  

CHAFFEE COUNTY:

--On March 25, Jeff Guy reported all 3 species of Rosy-Finches at Maysville.

CONEJOS COUNTY:

--4 Sagebrush Sparrows were reported by Ted Floyd in San Luis Hills on March 18.

--On March 17 at Fort Garland, Ted Floyd reported 9 Great-tailed Grackles.

--A Mallard (Mexican intergrade) was reported by Ted Floyd on the Rio Grande at Hwy 142 on March 18.

CROWLEY COUNTY:

--A calling Black Phoebe was reported by Van Truan on Canal Road intake overview NE of Manzanola on March 18.

DELTA COUNTY:

--3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 1f, 1juv) were reported by Mike Henwood at Fruitgrowers Reservoir on March 22.

--A pair of Black Phoebe was reported by Mike Henwood at Hwy 65 and Gunnison River on March 22.

--A Black Phoebe was reported by Andrea Robinsong at old sewer plant in Hotchkiss on March 20.

DOUGLAS COUNTY:

--On March 27, Joey Kellner, Mark Chavez, and Aaron Shipe reported Sagebrush Sparrow at end of Handicapped Fisherman's access at Chatfield SP.

--A Great-tailed Grackle was reported by Tim Ryan at Bar CCC Park on March 29.

EAGLE COUNTY:

--On March 17, Vic Zerbi reported all three Rosy-Finches at a feeder near Tennessee Pass.

--On March 27, Gabriel Wiltse reported m Surf Scoter, Barrow's Goldeneye and Black Phoebe along Colorado River on S side of CO 6 near Dotsero.

 

EL PASO COUNTY:

--On March 20 David Chartier reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks at Big Johnson.

--On March 19, Marty Wolf reported a f Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in his back yard in NW Colorado Springs.  Birders are

welcome but please call first  719-548-1932, address is 2220 Capra Way.

GUNNISON COUNTY:

--2 Chukar were reported by Nathan Goldberg on Hwy 114 on March 30.

HUERFANO COUNTY:

--A m Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Bob Spencer at Lathrop SP on March 18.  On March 19, Mark Peterson and Glenn Walbek reported m Barrow's Goldeneye at Lathrop SP.

--On March 28, Polly Wren Neldner reported Greater Roadrunner and Black Phoebe at Lathrop SP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:             

--A Winter Wren was heard by Cynthia Madsen and Karen Drozda on the first pond N of Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield on March 16.

On March 22, Matt Clark and Susan Bonfiglio reported Winter Wren on the east-west pond at NW end near the boardwalk at Audubon Nature Center and heard a Gray Catbird.

--On March 26, Doug Kibbe reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks on the W side of South Platte Reservoir.

--On March 26 Art Bezuidenhout reported a Sagebrush Sparrow at Belmar Park.  On March 27, Aaron Shipe, Art Hudak, and Tom Behnfield reported Sagebrush Sparrow at Belmar Park.

--On March 29, Michael Kiessig and Chuck Aid reported a pair of Long-tailed Ducks in intermediate plumage between winter and breeding at

South Platte Reservoir.

--On March 29, Tim Mitzen reported Black Rosy-Finch at North Table Mountain Park.

--On March 29, at Chatfield SP David Suddjian reported 1-st cyc Thayer's Gull by North Boat Launch and Great-tailed Grackle near C470 and Wadsworth.

KIOWA COUNTY:

--On March 19, at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 10 Chestnut-collared Longspurs and 2 McCown's Longspurs.

--On March 27, David Dowell reported Glaucous Gull (1-st or 2-nd cyc) at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir.

LA PLATA COUNTY:

--A m Eurasian Wigeon was reported by Riley Morris in a field south of Pastorius Reservoir in Durango on March 3.  On March 4, Jason St. Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon in field south of Pastorius Reservoir and Ryan Votta and Vic Zerbi reported the Eurasian Wigeon on the water in a small open area.  On March 5, Amy Dobbins and Jim Beatty reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 6, Beth Wolff reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 7, Jason St Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 13, Jim Beatty reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 15, Tom Behnfield and James Turner reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 23, Jason St Pierre reported m Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 24, Glenn Dunmire reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 25, Ryan Votta reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 26, Amy Dobbins reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 27, Kathy Shirley and Kristi Stieffert reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 29, Riley Morrius and Jason St. Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.

 

LARIMER COUNTY:

--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Austin Hess and Nick Komar on the Big Thompson RIver Bike Trail W of Wilson Bridge in Loveland on March 19.

--On March 20, Dave Leatherman reported that the Yellow-throated Warbler made an appearance back at 1520 Mountain Ave.

There are reports of the warbler in the City Park area from two different sites a few blocks from the Mountain Ave site.  The

warbler seems to be roaming the neighborhood. 

--On March 26, Nick Komar reported 3-rd cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull at county landfill.

--On March 26, Nick Komar reported ad ICELAND GULL and ad Thayer's Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.  On March 28, David Wade reported 3 Thayer's Gulls, ICELAND GULL, and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.  On March 30, Nick Komar reported 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Horseshoe Reservoir.

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:

--On March 20, Paul Tennery reported 3 White-winged Scoters at Trinidad Lake SP.

LINCOLN COUNTY:

--On March 16, Glenn Walbek reported thousands of McCown's Longspurs with a few Chestnut-collared Longspurs south of Arriba.   Most are in breeding plumage.  Stay on county roads.

--On March 20, Tom Behnfield reported EASTERN MEADOWLARK and 2 Great-tailed Gracles between Genoa and Arriba.

MESA COUNTY:

--2 Black Phoebe were reported by Dave Trappett at Redlands canal Phoebe Rock on Audubon section of Riverfront Trail on March 16.  

--2 Black Phoebe were reported by Mike Henwood at Grand Valley Nature Center by Phoebe Rock on March 17.

--A Red-throated Loon was reported by Mike Henwood  and seen by several other birders at Highline Lake SP on March 18.  On March 24, Diane Trappett reported Red-throated Loon and f Great-tailed Grackle at Highline Lake SP.  On March 30, Nic Korte, Ronda Woodward, and Mike Henwood reported Red-throated Loon at Highline Lake SP.

--On March 19, Nic Korte reported 4 Black Phoebe at Connected Lakes SP.  Two were at Phoebe Rock and 1 by pond on south side of Audubon property.

--On March 23, Mike Henwood reported 3 Black Phoebe at pond to east of Phoebe Rock at Grand Valley Audubon Nature Center.

--On March 27, a Long-tailed Duck was reported by Nic Korte and Diane trappett at Redlands Parkway Ponds.  On March 28, Long-tailed Duck was reported by Ronda Woodward, Denise and Mark Vollmar, Eileen Cunningham, and Mike Henwood.

--On March 30, Juanita Moston reported Bewick's Wren at Audubon Nature Preserve and Riverfront Trail.

MONTROSE COUNTY:

--On March 17, Coen Dexter reported NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at Chipeta SWA.  On March 18, the NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at Chipeta SWA was observed by Vic Zerbi, and Denise and Mark Vollmar.

PROWERS COUNTY:
--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Jill White Smith on the Willow Creek Nature Trail in Lamar on March 29.

PUEBLO COUNTY:

--On March 19, Brandon Percival reported Curve-billed Thrashers and Great-tailed Grackles in Pueblo West.

--On March 19, Canyon Towhees were reported by Brandon Percival at Pueblo Reservoir.

--A Bewick's Wren and Black Phoebe were reported by Brandon Percival below Pueblo Reservoir dam near Cottonwood Picnic Area parking lot on March 19.

SEDGWICK COUNTY:

--A PURPLE FINCH was heard by Steve Mlodinow at Sand Draw SWA on March 28.

SUMMIT COUNTY:

--On March 24, David Tonnessen reported Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches on Elk Thistle Dr in Silverthorne.

WASHINGTON COUNTY:

--A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported by David Dowell at Last Chance Rest Area on March 26.  On March 27, Renee and Jesse Casias reported Fox Sparrow at Last Chance.

WELD COUNTY:

--A f Barrrow's Goldeneye was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Windsor Lake on March 16.  

--A m Mexican Mallard was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Stewart's Pond on March 16.

--17 Great-tailed Grackles were reported by Tom Behnfield at Behrens Reservoir on March 19.  Behrens is SE of La Salle.

--12 Sharp-tailed Grouse were reported by Kyle Kittelberger on a lek N of CR 134 between CR 111 and CR 115 on March 20.

Also seen were 3 Chestnut-collared Longspurs.    On March 28, Kevin Keirn reported 4 Sharp-tailed Grouse at the lek N of CR 134.  

--11 Sharp-tailed Grouse were flushed on CR 105 N of CR 128 on March 20 by Kyle Kittelberger.

--6 Great-tailed Grackles were reported by Steve Mlodinow at Union Reservoir on March 21.

--On March 22, Sue Riffe reported 1 f Chestnut-collared Longspur and 12 McCown's Longspurs on the Pawnee.

--On March 25, Bob Righter reported 50+ Great-tailed Grackles at near Beebe Draw, on W side of CR 43 between CR 46 and CR 44.

--On March 30, Mark Minner-Lee reported 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull at Firestone Gravel Pits.

YUMA COUNTY:

--Greater Prairie Chickens were reported by Dave on a lek on CR 45 N of Wray on March 19 and 20.

DFO Field Trips:

The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, April 2 will be to Prospect Park (Wheat Ridge Greenbelt) led by Jackie King (jackie.king At ccd.edu, 720-381-3314)  Meet at 0830 just inside the park in lot right next to Prospect Lake.  From I-70 exit 267, take Kipling south about 3/4 mile and turn right (west on 44th Ave.  Go one mile west.  Look for the entrance to Prospect Park on your left (south).  Bring snacks and water.  Register online or contact leader.

Good Birding,

Joyce Takamine

Boulder

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[cobirds] Jefferson and Douglas counties Mar 29-30

Mar 29

Checked some area at Chatfield SP. Had 4 Eastern Bluebirds with the other two bluebird species near the end of the road to Plum Creek Nature Area. I looked for Eastern Phoebe at Plum Creek near the Picnic Area, but it was not in evidence. Not too many waterbirds were on the lake, with most common being Western Grebe. An Osprey was flying around. A 1st Cycle Thayer's Gull was viewed from the North Boat Launch. A Great-tailed Grackle was near C470 x Wadsworth.

Marston Reservoir continued to have good numbers of ducks and good variety, but less than a week ago. Two Franklin's Gulls and a Greater Yellowlegs were my first this season. A Great-tailed Grackle and two Mountain Bluebirds were along the west shore. Belmar Park had nothing out of the ordinary...but why are so many Northern Shovelers attracted to that park?

Mar 30

Encountered 8 Say's Phoebes in JeffCo today, showing the seasonal influx. Checked several lakes from Hine Lake north to Main Reservoir, without too much of note. Hine Lake still has a nice group of Greater Scaup (15), and the numbers of Lessers are becoming greater. A Virginia Rail called from the cattails at Harriman Lake, which had a nice variety of waterfowl. An Osprey was over Main Reservoir. A Marsh Wren was at East Reservoir, with a pair of Bushtits building a nest in a yard near that reservoir. The Lincoln's Sparrow reappeared in my yard at Ken Caryl Valley.

David Suddjian

Littleton, CO

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[cobirds] Red-throated & Common Loons - Mesa County

This afternoon 4 of us spent about 2 hours birding Highline Lake SP and had over 30 species.

Highlights  included:

Red-throated Loon swimming close to two Common Loons.

Flock of 16 Snow Goose with one "Blue goose" among the flock.

Pair of Red-breasted Mergansers.

Bald Eagles engaging in courtship behavior including locking talons.

Bald Eagle pirating a fish from an Osprey.

Peregrine Falcon

Mike Henwood

Grand Junction

Mesa County

 

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[cobirds] SE CO wanderings - Comanche Grasslands, et al.

I explored SE CO for the first time on Sun-Tuesday. I had a target list of 10 potential lifers. Alas, not a one was found. However I really enjoyed the exploring and camping. Fortunately the persistent, lovely songs of the canyon wren soothed the disappointment over nary a Lewis or ladder-backed woodpecker.

In the interest of perhaps helping future explorers here are some notes:

• The MVUM maps from the forest service are both necessary and insufficient for finding your way around. E.g. I never found Cottonwood Canyon! Perhaps access to it has been removed by the surrounding land owners? If so then coloradocountybirding.org should be updated!
• Carrizo Canyon was a wonderful oasis. The petroglyphs were a treat.
• Picture Canyon was worth the extra distance. A roadrunner posed for me as I left the canyon.
• Vogel Canyon and Higbee Cemetery were underwhelming.
• Picketwire Canyon was beautiful, albeit a bit broad and sparse for birding. I camped at the TH overlooking the river/canyon and the views were great. The dino tracks were cool and worth the 10 miles hike.
• I did not find a road to Two Buttes Res.
• I had been a bit concerned that it might be muddy after the big blizzard last week. But Ha! It dries out fast down there! The dirt roads are in amazing condition, much better than Pawnee. You can cover a lot of distance going 60mph with no wash boarding!
• If in Las Animas don't ask Google for directions to John Martin Res State Park! It took me along the barren, sandy road on the south side of the res. I eventually back tracked and followed 50 east on the north side. Certainly not many trees at that res.

Ron Bolton

Berthoud

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[cobirds] Hairy Woodpeckers,Loveland,Larimer Cnty

HI All,
Have had 1 and sometimes 2 male Hairy Woodpeckers at my suet feeder since Feb. 27. Like the Colorado Springs guy, we have lots of Downy and Flickers regularly, but no Hairys since spring of 1997. Isn't birding fun!
Elaine Coley, Loveland

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[cobirds] Arapahoe Cty. Varied Thrush

Cobirders,

I have NOT seen the VATH in my yard since Monday evening.  I spoke with a good friend/neighbor who lives about two blocks from me, who saw the thrush in her backyard briefly yesterday.  With all the snow now mostly melted off, the VATH has lots more forage area to choose from and is likely roaming the neighborhood and maybe Cherry Creek State Park or has moved westward.  If he returns with coming weather system with any regularity, I will post again.

Interestingly, I spoke with another neighbor who lives about 3 blocks from me who had seen the VATH at her yard between Jan 9 and Jan 22.  She brought pictures to show me for confirmation.  Makes it highly likely that this is the same individual here for the winter.

Becky Campbell

just so. of CCSP

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Arapahoe County, CO

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[cobirds] Lark Buntings - Pueblo County - Pueblo/Avondale, CO

I had a flock of 15-20 Lark Buntings at Pueblo Chemical Depot (no public access) yesterday in the same location as a flock I reported to eBird in February. I suspect it is the same flock, though I didn't see them for over a month. The flock included several males transitioning into breeding plumage. Not sure if these birds over wintered here and I didn't detect them until February, or if they've just been wandering around the area.

Clark Jones

Pueblo County

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[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 30 March 2016

Compiler:   Joyce Takamine

e-mail:     RBA AT cobirds.org

Date:  March 30, 2016

This is the Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, March 30, sponsored by Denver Field

Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species).

 

Eurasian Wigeon (*La Plata)

Mallard (Mexican) (Conejos, Weld)

Surf Scoter (Eagle)

White-winged Scoter (Las Animas)

Long-tailed Duck (El Paso, Jefferson, Mesa)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Delta, Eagle, Huerfano, Weld)

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Weld)

Greater Prairie Chicken (Yuma)

Red-throated Loon (Mesa)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Montrose)

Thayer's Gull (Larimer)

ICELAND GULL (Larimer)

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Bent, Larimer))

Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Kiowa)

Greater Roadrunner (*Huerfano)

Red-belllied Woodpecker (Bent)

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (El Paso)

Eastern Phoebe (Larimer, *Prowers)

Black Phoebe (Crowley, Delta, Eagle, *Huerfano, Mesa, Pueblo)

Chihuahuan Raven (Boulder)

Winter Wren (Jefferson)

Bewick's Wren (Pueblo)

Varied Thrush (Arapahoe)

Gray Catbird (Jefferson)

Curve-billed Thrasher (Bent, Pueblo)

Chestnut-collared Longspur (Kiowa, Lincoln, Weld)

McCown's Longspur (Kiowa, Lincoln, Weld)

Yellow-throated Warbler (Larimer)

Canyon Towhee  (Bent, Otero, Pueblo)

Sagebrush Sparrow (Conejos, Douglas, Jefferson)

Fox Sparrow (Washington)

Northern Cardinal (*Boulder)

EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Lincoln)

Great-tailed Grackle (Costilla, *Douglas, Lincoln, Mesa, Pueblo, Weld)

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle, Summit)

Black Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle, *Jefferson, Summit)

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (Chaffee, Eagle)

PURPLE FINCH (Sedgwick)

ARAPAHOE COUNTY:

--A 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull was reported by Gene Rutherford at Cherry Creek SP on March 20.  On March 25, Cheryl Teuton reported imm Glaucous Gull and ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cherry Creek SP.

--On March 22, a m Varied Thrush visited the yard of Becky Campbell just south of Cherry Creek SP.  If it returns on 3/23, she

will post to CoBirds for those who would like to see it.  On March 23, Becky Campbell and Tom Behnfield reported Varied Thrush

south of Cherry Creek SP.  On March 24, Becky Campbell, Doug Kibbe, and Chris Brown reported Varied Thrush south of Cherry Creek SP. On March 25, Becky Campbell reported Varied Thrush in you yard.  On March 26, Becky Campbell and several others reported Varied Thrush in her yard.  On March 28, Becky Campbell reported that the Varied Thrush continues to visit her yard.  Contact Becky at 3rdgenbirder AT gmail.com. --On March 29, Michael Kiessig reported 1 f Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.

BENT COUNTY:

--An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Duane Nelson at John Martin Reservoir on March 18.  Duane reported that

the road over the dam is once again open to the public during daylight hours.

--On March 18, Duane Nelson reported Red-bellied Woodpecker, Canyon Towhee, and Curve-billed Thrasher visiting his yard in Las Animas.  On March 28, Duane Nelson reported that the Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to visit.  If you would like to try to see these birds please contact him at dnelson1 AT centurytel.net.

BOULDER COUNTY:

--On March 26, John Vanderpoel reported 11 Chihuahuan Ravens at Lagerman Reservoir.

--On March 29, Jon Webb reported Northern Cardinal in old North Boulder neighborhood east of Broadway and north of Iris.  The

Cardinal seems to be ranging further east than in the past.  

CHAFFEE COUNTY:

--On March 25, Jeff Guy reported all 3 species of Rosy-Finches at Maysville.

CONEJOS COUNTY:

--4 Sagebrush Sparrows were reported by Ted Floyd in San Luis Hills on March 18.

--On March 17 at Fort Garland, Ted Floyd reported 9 Great-tailed Grackles.

--A Mallard (Mexican intergrade) was reported by Ted Floyd on the Rio Grande at Hwy 142 on March 18.

CROWLEY COUNTY:

--A calling Black Phoebe was reported by Van Truan on Canal Road intake overview NE of Manzanola on March 18.

DELTA COUNTY:

--3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 1f, 1juv) were reported by Mike Henwood at Fruitgrowers Reservoir on March 22.

--A pair of Black Phoebe was reported by Mike Henwood at Hwy 65 and Gunnison River on March 22.

--A Black Phoebe was reported by Andrea Robinsong at old sewer plant in Hotchkiss on March 20.

DOUGLAS COUNTY:

--On March 27, Joey Kellner, Mark Chavez, and Aaron Shipe reported Sagebrush Sparrow at end of Handicapped Fisherman's access at Chatfield SP.

--A Great-tailed Grackle was reported by Tim Ryan at Bar CCC Park on March 29.

EAGLE COUNTY:

--On March 17, Vic Zerbi reported all three Rosy-Finches at a feeder near Tennessee Pass.

--On March 27, Gabriel Wiltse reported m Surf Scoter, Barrow's Goldeneye and Black Phoebe along Colorado River on S side of CO 6 near Dotsero.

 

EL PASO COUNTY:

--On March 20 David Chartier reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks at Big Johnson.

--On March 19, Marty Wolf reported a f Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in his back yard in NW Colorado Springs.  Birders are

welcome but please call first  719-548-1932, address is 2220 Capra Way.

HUERFANO COUNTY:

--A m Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Bob Spencer at Lathrop SP on March 18.  On March 19, Mark Peterson and Glenn Walbek reported m Barrow's Goldeneye at Lathrop SP.

--On March 28, Polly Wren Neldner reported Greater Roadrunner and Black Phoebe at Lathrop SP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:             

--A Winter Wren was heard by Cynthia Madsen and Karen Drozda on the first pond N of Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield on March 16.

On March 22, Matt Clark and Susan Bonfiglio reported Winter Wren on the east-west pond at NW end near the boardwalk at Audubon Nature Center and heard a Gray Catbird.

--On March 26, Doug Kibbe reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks on the W side of South Platte Reservoir.

--On March 26 Art Bezuidenhout reported a Sagebrush Sparrow at Belmar Park.  On March 27, Aaron Shipe, Art Hudak, and Tom Behnfield reported Sagebrush Sparrow at Belmar Park.

--On March 29, Michael Kiessig and Chuck Aid reported a pair of Long-tailed Ducks in intermediate plumage between winter and breeding at

South Platte Reservoir.

--On March 29, Tim Mitzen reported Black Rosy-Finch at North Table Mountain Park.

KIOWA COUNTY:

--On March 19, at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir, Steve Mlodinow reported 10 Chestnut-collared Longspurs and 2 McCown's Longspurs.

--On March 27, David Dowell reported Glaucous Gull (1-st or 2-nd cyc) at Upper Queens/Neeskah Reservoir.

LA PLATA COUNTY:

--A m Eurasian Wigeon was reported by Riley Morris in a field south of Pastorius Reservoir in Durango on March 3.  On March 4, Jason St. Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon in field south of Pastorius Reservoir and Ryan Votta and Vic Zerbi reported the Eurasian Wigeon on the water in a small open area.  On March 5, Amy Dobbins and Jim Beatty reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 6, Beth Wolff reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 7, Jason St Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 13, Jim Beatty reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 15, Tom Behnfield and James Turner reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 23, Jason St Pierre reported m Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 24, Glenn Dunmire reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 25, Ryan Votta reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 26, Amy Dobbins reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 27, Kathy Shirley and Kristi Stieffert reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.  On March 29, Riley Morrius and Jason St. Pierre reported Eurasian Wigeon at Pastorius Reservoir.

 

LARIMER COUNTY:

--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Austin Hess and Nick Komar on the Big Thompson RIver Bike Trail W of Wilson Bridge in Loveland on March 19.

--On March 20, Dave Leatherman reported that the Yellow-throated Warbler made an appearance back at 1520 Mountain Ave.

There are reports of the warbler in the City Park area from two different sites a few blocks from the Mountain Ave site.  The

warbler seems to be roaming the neighborhood. 

--On March 26, Nick Komar reported 3-rd cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull at county landfill.

--On March 26, Nick Komar reported ad ICELAND GULL and ad Thayer's Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.  On March 28, David Wade reported 3 Thayer's Gulls, ICELAND GULL, and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Horseshoe Reservoir.

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY:

--On March 20, Paul Tennery reported 3 White-winged Scoters at Trinidad Lake SP.

LINCOLN COUNTY:

--On March 16, Glenn Walbek reported thousands of McCown's Longspurs with a few Chestnut-collared Longspurs south of Arriba.   Most are in breeding plumage.  Stay on county roads.

--On March 20, Tom Behnfield reported EASTERN MEADOWLARK and 2 Great-tailed Gracles between Genoa and Arriba.

MESA COUNTY:

--2 Black Phoebe were reported by Dave Trappett at Redlands canal Phoebe Rock on Audubon section of Riverfront Trail on March 16.  

--2 Black Phoebe were reported by Mike Henwood at Grand Valley Nature Center by Phoebe Rock on March 17.

--A Red-throated Loon was reported by Mike Henwood  and seen by several other birders at Highline Lake SP on March 18.  On March 24, Diane Trappett reported Red-throated Loon and f Great-tailed Grackle at Highline Lake SP.

--On March 19, Nic Korte reported 4 Black Phoebe at Connected Lakes SP.  Two were at Phoebe Rock and 1 by pond on south side of Audubon property.

--On March 23, Mike Henwood reported 3 Black Phoebe at pond to east of Phoebe Rock at Grand Valley Audubon Nature Center.

--On March 27, a Long-tailed Duck was reported by Nic Korte and Diane trappett at Redlands Parkway Ponds.  On March 28, Long-tailed Duck was reported by Ronda Woodward, Denise and Mark Vollmar, Eileen Cunningham, and Mike Henwood.

MONTROSE COUNTY:

--On March 17, Coen Dexter reported NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at Chipeta SWA.  On March 18, the NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at Chipeta SWA was observed by Vic Zerbi, and Denise and Mark Vollmar.

PROWERS COUNTY:
--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Jill White Smith on the Willow Creek Nature Trail in Lamar on March 29.

PUEBLO COUNTY:

--On March 19, Brandon Percival reported Curve-billed Thrashers and Great-tailed Grackles in Pueblo West.

--On March 19, Canyon Towhees were reported by Brandon Percival at Pueblo Reservoir.

--A Bewick's Wren and Black Phoebe were reported by Brandon Percival below Pueblo Reservoir dam near Cottonwood Picnic Area parking lot on March 19.

SEDGWICK COUNTY:

--A PURPLE FINCH was heard by Steve Mlodinow at Sand Draw SWA on March 28.

SUMMIT COUNTY:

--On March 24, David Tonnessen reported Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches on Elk Thistle Dr in Silverthorne.

WASHINGTON COUNTY:

--A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported by David Dowell at Last Chance Rest Area on March 26.  On March 27, Renee and Jesse Casias reported Fox Sparrow at Last Chance.

WELD COUNTY:

--A f Barrrow's Goldeneye was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Windsor Lake on March 16.  

--A m Mexican Mallard was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Stewart's Pond on March 16.

--17 Great-tailed Grackles were reported by Tom Behnfield at Behrens Reservoir on March 19.  Behrens is SE of La Salle.

--12 Sharp-tailed Grouse were reported by Kyle Kittelberger on a lek N of CR 134 between CR 111 and CR 115 on March 20.

Also seen were 3 Chestnut-collared Longspurs.    On March 28, Kevin Keirn reported 4 Sharp-tailed Grouse at the lek N of CR 134.  

--11 Sharp-tailed Grouse were flushed on CR 105 N of CR 128 on March 20 by Kyle Kittelberger.

--6 Great-tailed Grackles were reported by Steve Mlodinow at Union Reservoir on March 21.

--On March 22, Sue Riffe reported 1 f Chestnut-collared Longspur and 12 McCown's Longspurs on the Pawnee.

--On March 25, Bob Righter reported 50+ Great-tailed Grackles at near Beebe Draw, on W side of CR 43 between CR 46 and CR 44.

YUMA COUNTY:

--Greater Prairie Chickens were reported by Dave on a lek on CR 45 N of Wray on March 19 and 20.

DFO Field Trips:

The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, April 2 will be to Prospect Park (Wheat Ridge Greenbelt) led by Jackie King (jackie.king At ccd.edu, 720-381-3314)  Meet at 0830 just inside the park in lot right next to Prospect Lake.  From I-70 exit 267, take Kipling south about 3/4 mile and turn right (west on 44th Ave.  Go one mile west.  Look for the entrance to Prospect Park on your left (south).  Bring snacks and water.  Register online or contact leader.

Good Birding,

Joyce Takamine

Boulder

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[cobirds] Dinosaur Ridge (29 Mar 2016) 30 Raptors

Dinosaur Ridge
Colorado, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 29, 2016
Species	Day's Count	Month Total	Season Total
Black Vulture	0	0	0
Turkey Vulture	10	14	14
Osprey	1	1	1
Bald Eagle	0	9	9
Northern Harrier	1	3	3
Sharp-shinned Hawk	2	9	9
Cooper's Hawk	1	4	4
Northern Goshawk	0	0	0
Red-shouldered Hawk	0	0	0
Broad-winged Hawk	0	0	0
Red-tailed Hawk	11	175	175
Rough-legged Hawk	0	0	0
Swainson's Hawk	0	0	0
Ferruginous Hawk	0	2	2
Golden Eagle	0	1	1
American Kestrel	0	12	12
Merlin	0	0	0
Peregrine Falcon	0	2	2
Prairie Falcon	1	5	5
Mississippi Kite	0	0	0
Unknown Accipiter	1	5	5
Unknown Buteo	1	13	13
Unknown Falcon	1	5	5
Unknown Eagle	0	0	0
Unknown Raptor	0	2	2
Total:	30	262	262

Observation start time:	07:30:00
Observation end time:	13:00:00
Total observation time:	5.5 hours
Official Counter	Bill Flowers
Observers:	Kathleen Stewart

Visitors:
A couple stopped by for a few minutes in the morning and looked around. In the afternoon we had a serious birder from Texas stop by, but he was looking for the Dusky Grouse that was reported on the ridge. We discussed where some better sites for this species would be as we discussed the raptors we had observed.

Weather:
It was a good day for raptor spotting with high, thin clouds and very light winds. The temperature ranged from 40 to 55 degrees F.

Raptor Observations:
Most of the migrating raptors were seen between 9:30 to 13:00 MST. The morning birds were primarily along the West Ridge, seemingly always being escorted by resident birds, usually the Red-tailed Hawks. The afternoon birds were directly over the Hawkwatch site. We saw several species with highlights on Osprey and Northern Harrier. Resident raptors included Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Golden Eagle, and Turkey Vulture. A Turkey Vulture actually landed on the east side of Dinosaur Ridge about midway between the Hawkwatch Site and the valley floor I watched it spread its wings to gather some sunshine for warmth and it seemed to be looking for something around some the Mountain Mahogany and the Junipers. It was on the ground about a half hour.

Non-raptor Observations:
The following birds were heard/seen: American Robin, Western Meadowlark, Black-billed Magpie, Townsend's Solitaire, Common Raven, and Western-scrub Jay. There was a Cottontail Rabbit on the site first thing in the morning. Kathleen saw 10 or so Elk walking the slippery trail up around lunch time. There were at least 15 Elk on the Cabrini Ridge.

Predictions:
Unfortunately with the weather forecast (snow/rain), the migrating raptors may not be a plentiful as today. But the migration is definitely increasing.

---

Report submitted by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (jeff.birek@birdconservancy.org)
Dinosaur Ridge information may be found at: http://www.birdconservancy.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 Bird Conservancy of the
Rockies from about 9 AM to around 3 PM from March 1st to May 7th.

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.

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[cobirds] Request from homeowner - IF you visited the private home hosting the Varied Thrush, please DO NOT place a pin marker or reveal the address.

The best practice is to go  to e Bird, then to your "my bird"  then "locations" 

and change the pin marker and describe 

the location as "Residence south of Cherry Creek SP."

Move the pin marker to just north of Belleview Ave. near the neighborhood.

Although the exact spot will not be marked, it is highly desirable to place

the pin marker NEAR the home but not AT the home. 

I mention this at the request of the homeowner. She has been most welcoming to birders

visiting to see the Varied Thrush. Please honor her reasonable request.

Joe Roller

Volunteer e Bird hotspot reviewer for CO.

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[cobirds] Banner Lakes SWA

Just a heads up - Was birding yesterday at Banner Lakes SWA on Highway 52 - about 5 miles east of Hudson CO.  I was reminded by their sign that the Northern Unit of the SWA will be closed to all activity beginning April 01 and will not reopen until 07/15.  The SWA is divided by Highway 52 - the Southern Unit will remain open.  There are only four ponds on the southern portion - but the habitat is still good for birding. 

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Re: [cobirds] Re: Big Mystery Bird near Kersey Road and I-76

While more expected along a coast, here's a story that involved a highway-based albatross sighting.  The roadside fun begins in paragraph 7:  http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2000-06-18/news/0006180192_1_albatross-laughing-gulls-bird

Many of you may know or know of Shawneen Finnegan, an amazing birder and illustrator.  She commemorated her encounter with a wonderful sketch (attached.)  I can just imagine the skid marks I would leave if I saw a tubenose or other seabird as I was driving along a road somewhere.  With Streaked Shearwater in Wyoming and frigatebirds from both CO & WY, who knows what else could wing its way here?

Enjoy- Bill Schmoker, Longmont

--

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Bill Schmoker             
bill.schmoker@gmail.com 
http://schmoker.org
*http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/us-arctic-geotraces 
<http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/us-arctic-geotraces>*
<720/201-5749>
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

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[cobirds] Burrowing Owl Returning [Nunn, Weld]

Hi all

On my evening walk along Weld CR 33 btw 98/100 had a lone Burrowing Owl calling at 630PMish.

Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://coloradobirder.ning.com/
Mobile:  http://coloradobirder.ning.com/m

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Re: [cobirds] Big Mystery Bird near Kersey Road and I-76

Draw a sketch and submit it the the CBRC. It may not get accepted as a Laysan Albatross but it will at least get in the hypothetical list, and be archived for posterity. Hopefully Duane Nelson et al. can watch for it at John Martin Reservoir. 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 29, 2016, at 7:54 AM, Anne Price <raptoresse@msn.com> wrote:

Greetings COBIRDers:

 

I have been haunted for a week by a sighting I had last Thursday, March 24, the day after the Big Blizzard.  I've hesitated to post this story for fear of appearing to have completely lost my mind, but a few encouraging subscribers, personal friends who are FAR better birders than myself, have encouraged me to share the details. Having a huge raptor bias, I do better with birds rather than small ones, but this one may take the cake:

While driving home from Nebraska on 3/24, at precisely 2:15pm, and one mile east of the Kersey Road exit, I think I saw an albatross.

I was heading southwest towards Denver at freeway speed, and up ahead, maybe ¼ of a mile away, on the north side of the interstate, flapping and flying south, perhaps 200 ft overhead (though I think it dropped as it crossed in front of me), I saw a bird that at first glance, looked like an osprey.

It was dark above, pure white/light below, and osprey-size. But going 80 mph, I quickly caught up with it, and the wings and flapping were all wrong. The wings were sharp, angled; the shape was more like a frigate bird, or a tern, not a raptor (OK, maybe a swallow-tailed kite…that kind of shape). It was a laboring flight, no soaring; it was the kind of flight that looked like the bird could fall out of the sky at any moment. And then, I realized the top of the bird was gray, not brown.

It was similar to a gull gray; not a dark brown. The primaries were not edged in black; I could see NO markings below. The tail didn't stick out to me….if it was any color other than white, I didn't catch that. It crossed over the highway, with a good view from my front windshield (vs. the sunroof), and then I watched it from my left driver's side window, continue due south.

The face was very similar to that of a gull, but with a longer, more pronounced beak.  I know that in that split second, I could see a long, procellariiforme beak, just a bit lighter yellow than that of an adult bald eagle. And, I distinctly saw a dark eye, with that gorgeous, smoky-eye shadow wash that is typical of the Laysan albatross.

Laysans: Wingspan is 77 to 80 inches, so 6.4 to 6.6 ft.  Osprey wingspans are listed 58 to 72 inches, (4.8 to 6 ft). So I believe my size estimate to be accurate.  Laysans are also described in Nat Geo as "casual inland in winter and spring", with most records being off central California. Short-taileds are rarer, larger, and the top surfaces are not a solid gray/black-ish, like the Laysan.

Gulls:  I grew up in San Francisco, I know what a gull looks like!  Even the big ones not found out here, like the western gull (wingspan 58 inches) were smaller than what I saw. I saw its face, and while I totally admit that I could have missed the red spot, I know the eye wasn't yellow, and I know I saw the dark feathers around the eye.

I would love to know if there are any state records for any species of albatross here in CO. If I had seen this bird any day other than after such a violent storm with such strong winds, I would make an appointment and get my eyes checked. Opinions, jibes, and all comments (both helpful and in jest!) will be greatly appreciated!

 

~Anne Price

Littleton, Jefferson Co.

 

 

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[cobirds] Re: Big Mystery Bird near Kersey Road and I-76

Thanks for sharing that is an interesting sighting ...

Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://coloradobirder.ning.com/
Mobile:  http://coloradobirder.ning.com/m


On Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 7:54:56 AM UTC-6, raptoresse wrote:

Greetings COBIRDers:

 

I have been haunted for a week by a sighting I had last Thursday, March 24, the day after the Big Blizzard.  I've hesitated to post this story for fear of appearing to have completely lost my mind, but a few encouraging subscribers, personal friends who are FAR better birders than myself, have encouraged me to share the details. Having a huge raptor bias, I do better with birds rather than small ones, but this one may take the cake:

While driving home from Nebraska on 3/24, at precisely 2:15pm, and one mile east of the Kersey Road exit, I think I saw an albatross.

I was heading southwest towards Denver at freeway speed, and up ahead, maybe ¼ of a mile away, on the north side of the interstate, flapping and flying south, perhaps 200 ft overhead (though I think it dropped as it crossed in front of me), I saw a bird that at first glance, looked like an osprey.

It was dark above, pure white/light below, and osprey-size. But going 80 mph, I quickly caught up with it, and the wings and flapping were all wrong. The wings were sharp, angled; the shape was more like a frigate bird, or a tern, not a raptor (OK, maybe a swallow-tailed kite…that kind of shape). It was a laboring flight, no soaring; it was the kind of flight that looked like the bird could fall out of the sky at any moment. And then, I realized the top of the bird was gray, not brown.

It was similar to a gull gray; not a dark brown. The primaries were not edged in black; I could see NO markings below. The tail didn't stick out to me….if it was any color other than white, I didn't catch that. It crossed over the highway, with a good view from my front windshield (vs. the sunroof), and then I watched it from my left driver's side window, continue due south.

The face was very similar to that of a gull, but with a longer, more pronounced beak.  I know that in that split second, I could see a long, procellariiforme beak, just a bit lighter yellow than that of an adult bald eagle. And, I distinctly saw a dark eye, with that gorgeous, smoky-eye shadow wash that is typical of the Laysan albatross.

Laysans: Wingspan is 77 to 80 inches, so 6.4 to 6.6 ft.  Osprey wingspans are listed 58 to 72 inches, (4.8 to 6 ft). So I believe my size estimate to be accurate.  Laysans are also described in Nat Geo as "casual inland in winter and spring", with most records being off central California. Short-taileds are rarer, larger, and the top surfaces are not a solid gray/black-ish, like the Laysan.

Gulls:  I grew up in San Francisco, I know what a gull looks like!  Even the big ones not found out here, like the western gull (wingspan 58 inches) were smaller than what I saw. I saw its face, and while I totally admit that I could have missed the red spot, I know the eye wasn't yellow, and I know I saw the dark feathers around the eye.

I would love to know if there are any state records for any species of albatross here in CO. If I had seen this bird any day other than after such a violent storm with such strong winds, I would make an appointment and get my eyes checked. Opinions, jibes, and all comments (both helpful and in jest!) will be greatly appreciated!

 

~Anne Price

Littleton, Jefferson Co.

 

 

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Re: [cobirds] Audio: Spostern Towhee, berserk starling, gratuitous African Collared-Dove

The Spostern Towhee raises an interesting question. At the end of winter/beginning of spring, male song birds go through a period when they are regaining their song. During this period, the song is often somewhat off. In the case of two closely related species, one might wonder if during the song recovery period the bird might render elements of song from an earlier evolutionary stage before a common ancestor began differentiating into two species.

Chuck Hundertmark

On Mar 28, 2016, at 7:51 PM, Ted Floyd <tedfloyd57@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi, all. Here's some bird audio I've gotten in the past couple weeks:

1. This spotted towhee at the Medano-Zapata Ranch, Alamosa County, Mar. 20, sang a song that wouldn't sound out-of-the-ordinary for an eastern towhee in Kentucky or Ohio. Then it switched over to a perfectly typical spotted towhee. If it's not obvious, the moral of this story is: Don't trust towhees.

Eastern-like song: http://www.xeno-canto.org/307976

Spotted-like song (same bird): http://www.xeno-canto.org/307981

2. Starlings sputter, stutter, squeal, and grunt. They also produce an astonishing array of complex vocalizations, many of them quite beautiful; and they are brilliant mimics. Check out the endlessly varied song of this European starling at Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County, Mar. 12:

http://www.xeno-canto.org/306784

3. I can't control myself. If I hear an African collared-dove, I will record it. Here is one near Greenlee Preserve, Boulder County, Mar. 25:

http://www.xeno-canto.org/309312

Ted Floyd

Lafayette, Boulder County

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[cobirds] Big Mystery Bird near Kersey Road and I-76

Greetings COBIRDers:

 

I have been haunted for a week by a sighting I had last Thursday, March 24, the day after the Big Blizzard.  I’ve hesitated to post this story for fear of appearing to have completely lost my mind, but a few encouraging subscribers, personal friends who are FAR better birders than myself, have encouraged me to share the details. Having a huge raptor bias, I do better with birds rather than small ones, but this one may take the cake:

While driving home from Nebraska on 3/24, at precisely 2:15pm, and one mile east of the Kersey Road exit, I think I saw an albatross.

I was heading southwest towards Denver at freeway speed, and up ahead, maybe ¼ of a mile away, on the north side of the interstate, flapping and flying south, perhaps 200 ft overhead (though I think it dropped as it crossed in front of me), I saw a bird that at first glance, looked like an osprey.

It was dark above, pure white/light below, and osprey-size. But going 80 mph, I quickly caught up with it, and the wings and flapping were all wrong. The wings were sharp, angled; the shape was more like a frigate bird, or a tern, not a raptor (OK, maybe a swallow-tailed kite…that kind of shape). It was a laboring flight, no soaring; it was the kind of flight that looked like the bird could fall out of the sky at any moment. And then, I realized the top of the bird was gray, not brown.

It was similar to a gull gray; not a dark brown. The primaries were not edged in black; I could see NO markings below. The tail didn’t stick out to me….if it was any color other than white, I didn’t catch that. It crossed over the highway, with a good view from my front windshield (vs. the sunroof), and then I watched it from my left driver’s side window, continue due south.

The face was very similar to that of a gull, but with a longer, more pronounced beak.  I know that in that split second, I could see a long, procellariiforme beak, just a bit lighter yellow than that of an adult bald eagle. And, I distinctly saw a dark eye, with that gorgeous, smoky-eye shadow wash that is typical of the Laysan albatross.

Laysans: Wingspan is 77 to 80 inches, so 6.4 to 6.6 ft.  Osprey wingspans are listed 58 to 72 inches, (4.8 to 6 ft). So I believe my size estimate to be accurate.  Laysans are also described in Nat Geo as “casual inland in winter and spring”, with most records being off central California. Short-taileds are rarer, larger, and the top surfaces are not a solid gray/black-ish, like the Laysan.

Gulls:  I grew up in San Francisco, I know what a gull looks like!  Even the big ones not found out here, like the western gull (wingspan 58 inches) were smaller than what I saw. I saw its face, and while I totally admit that I could have missed the red spot, I know the eye wasn’t yellow, and I know I saw the dark feathers around the eye.

I would love to know if there are any state records for any species of albatross here in CO. If I had seen this bird any day other than after such a violent storm with such strong winds, I would make an appointment and get my eyes checked. Opinions, jibes, and all comments (both helpful and in jest!) will be greatly appreciated!

 

~Anne Price

Littleton, Jefferson Co.