This morning Paul Slingsby and I visited several Morgan County playas that proved very productive for shorebirds last year. Overall, the playas were drier this years and less productive for shorebirds. The playa at Morgan CR23 & HH had very little water, but lots of mud. Nevertheless, the only shorebirds were in one flock of 31 Baird's Sandpipers.
On CRII between CR20 and 26 there were no playas with water. The plentiful sunflowers lining the road, however, hosted many sparrows offering fleeting glimpses. Lark Buntings were well represented along with Chipping, Clay-colored, and Lark Sparrows.
The playa on CR 26 near CR JJ had less water than last year, but was the most productive with American Avocet (1). Killdeer (38), Sanderling (4), Baird's Sandpiper (49), Least Sandpiper (3), and Wilson's Phalarope (35). Two Loggerhead Shrikes were also present.
To wrap up the day, we took a swing by the Brush Prairie Ponds SWA. Waterbird numbers were low, but sparrows were abundant. We did find one ibis (Glossy or White-faced). A brief flight look didn't allow us to pin down species. Shorebirds were represented by Killdeer (14), Baird's Sandpiper (probably more than the 3 we counted). Wilson's Phalarope (6), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Lesser Yellowlegs (1), and Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs (7). Most fun were the the mixed spizella flocks hopscotching ahead of us in the sunflowers and brush. Clay-colored and Brewer's were well represented.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
303-604-0531
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