cobirds colorado rare bird: October 2020

Saturday 31 October 2020

[cobirds] Dunlin at Chatfield; Douglas County

Seen at the tip of the marina sandspit from 10am-11am (before the wind kick up).

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

[cobirds] Re: Rough-legged Hawk/Weld

Thanks Gary,

We all appreciate your updates on Raptor Alley and other hotspots in Weld, as most of us like to know what's going on in Weld county before we make the drive out there from our local patches. Hopefully this is a banner year for Roughies. Just in the past week in Larimer County, I've already seen 1 Roughie, 3 Ferrugs, 7 Harlans, and 6 Prairie Falcons. I know multiple birders have started seeing some Short-eared Owls as well in Larimer, so if this week is any indication of the rest of the winter, I would predict that we will have a great season for northern raptors.

Joe Kipper,

Fort Collins

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 1:34:52 PM UTC-6 The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Hi all

First Rough-legged Hawk up here I have seen this fall--Weld CR 100 near 19. I took a small tour of Raptor Alley yesterday afternoon-southern end and Nunn-area near house. I plan on doing the full Raptor Alley see who is here.
Rough-legged Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk - 5 (local dark morph)
Red-tailed Hawk - 7
American Kestrel - 2
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8e6ce1e3-33e8-4a61-867e-bc59041fc01en%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Stearn’s Lake, Boulder Co, crane and 4 goose species

Sandhill Crane, Snow Geese (including 1 blue morph), Greater White-fronted Goose (juv) continue at Stearn's Lake. Bald Eagles building nest.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/FBBB9085-3CCB-416E-8BEB-E583B6F30FA6%40gmail.com.

Friday 30 October 2020

[cobirds] Sandhill Crane, Snow Geese, Stearns Lake, Boulder County

This afternoon there was one Sandhill Crane standing on the NW shore of Stearns Lake and two Snow Geese in the western part of the lake along with lots of ducks.

Paula Hansley
Louisville

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4BFF5A17-571F-4CBC-85AF-255C767F91BA%40gmail.com.

[cobirds] Field Trip Announcement: Greenlee Preserve, Boulder Co., Nov. 1, "Lafayette Birds!"

Please join us Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, for our monthly "Lafayette Birds!" outing at Greenlee Preserve, eastern Boulder County. We will convene at 1pm, Mountain STANDARD Time, at the base of the very short trail up to the preserve proper. We will bird in small groups until about 3pm.

Tons (literally, well over a ton) of cackling geese have returned to the area, and we'll sort through the flock for rarities, hybrids, and spuhs. Early Nov. is a great time of year for flyover snow and Ross geese, and we'll be on the lookout (and listenout!) for them. Might see some sandhill cranes on VisMig too. Grebes of several species have been putting on a fine show of late, the showy hooded mergansers are back, and a couple of white-throated sparrows have been visiting the feeders at the preserve.

This outing, sponsored by the City of Lafayette, is free and open to the public. Children and curiosity-seekers welcome. Bring binocs and a camera if you have 'em. Bring good cheer. No whining. No experience necessary, no RSVP required. Just show up, and we'll get sorted into groups, and off we'll go!

Masks are mandatory. No exceptions, no exemptions. No mask = no birds, no respect, no friends.

Remember to Fall Back! See you on Sunday!

Ted Floyd

Lafayette, Boulder County

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4da2070a-6308-4b26-ae5c-fe49f92f94a2n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Windsor Lake (Weld)

One highlight I forgot to mention at Windsor Lake this afternoon was approximately 30 Snow Geese in with all the Cacklers.

Of course, the correct first name of the Tundra Swan finder at Timnath Res is Cole (misspelled in my other posting). Thank you to Cole and Josh for their finds.

Dave Leatherman

Fort Collins

[cobirds] Windsor Lake (Weld) on 30Oct2020

After seeing the two Tundra Swans (southeast bay) and Brant (west side along the dam) at Timnath Res (Larimer) found by Cold Wild and Josh Bruening, respectively, I went to Windsor Lake in the town of Windsor (Weld).

Highlights were:

Red-necked Grebe (1) mostly in the northern part of the res with Western Grebes (yellow bill, reddish cast to neck in good light)

Cackling Geese (2500)

White Pelican (few)

Double-crested Cormorant (10)

Red-breasted Merganser (6)

Ring-necked Duck (14)

Lesser Scaup (2)

Eared Grebe (3)

Northern Pintail (4)

Horned Grebe (1)

Pied-billed Grebe (5)

Bonaparte's Gull (2)

Dave Leatherman

Fort Collins

[cobirds] Black Scoter, Matthew T. Glasser Reservoir, Broomfield

Just wanted to report that there are now two female Black Scoters on the reservoir. Both were active and diving on the south side of the reservoir.

Mike Hensley

Lafayette, 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4e175b06-84ee-4f73-a819-54e1178b2c27n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Larimer county, of Hooded mergansers, buffleheads, and Golden eyes and more

On the large pond just east of Lions Park along the bike trail in Fort Collins, there was a group of female and male bufflehead, about three of each, at the east end of the pond. Near the pole in the middle of the pond were several male and female hooded mergansers diving. As one would dive and come back up, it was harassed immediately by a gull, then it would dive back down. It did not seem that worried by the gulls. The gulls seemed more worried they were not getting anything. Scattered around the pond were common golden eyes, and two pied billed grebes.

Libby Edwards
Fort Collins
Larimer County

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/253E9DE6-D61D-4FB7-9A0F-7E2366EEE956%40gmail.com.

[cobirds] Red-necked Grebe, Adams County

Thanks Adam! I was able to re-find it today, after searching with my binoculars through all the Western Grebes!
Although there is no name for the body of water on a map, there are signs there to indicate it's called Willow Bay Lake. I think the parking lot is for either the "Front Range Trail",or "South Platte River Trail".
Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/928de5c0-8c4c-4f4f-9f28-e20b9d0b9096o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] American Golden-Plovers and Dunlin in Bent County

Birders,

Despite the record-breaking cold and snow earlier this week, shorebird
migration is still in progress in SE Colorado. Today, I observed two
American Golden-Plovers (foraging and in flight) and a Dunlin at Adobe
Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake). They were on the north side of the south
lake associating with at least 10 species of shorebirds. From the east
side of the lake, west of the boat ramp, look for a two-track heading to
the channel separating the north lake (mostly in Kiowa County) and the
south lake (entirely in Bent County). Drive south as far as you feel
comfortable, and scan the north end of the lake. A scope will be helpful.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/beec01b1-d2af-f64f-4d36-95866e3d420c%40centurytel.net.

[cobirds] Rough-legged Hawk/Weld

Hi all

First Rough-legged Hawk up here I have seen this fall--Weld CR 100 near 19. I took a small tour of Raptor Alley yesterday afternoon-southern end and Nunn-area near house. I plan on doing the full Raptor Alley see who is here.

Rough-legged Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk - 5 (local dark morph)
Red-tailed Hawk - 7
American Kestrel - 2
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e4b33625-b871-4e94-9eab-ec40bfc99af1o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Re: tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

"more so than Pawnee-West"

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 1:28:07 PM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Hi all

Find a Horned Lark flock in and around Nunn, CPER and Pawnee-West and you are sure to hear and might get lucky to see them. Last year's first Pawnee-East CBC had lots of them, more so then Pawnee-East.

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

On Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 8:38:40 AM UTC-6, ronbco wrote:
I'm a reasonably passionate birder, but not very patient.
I saw an ebird post for a Lapland Longspur nearby my home and since it would be a lifer I went to look; no success, but again, I am not patient.

Looking at ebird stats for the area (Loveland/Longmont) it seems that sitings are not common. My general impression is that they are seen in onsey/twosey out in the middle of fields, and you need to use a scope and be patient.

The siting I was acting on yesterday had one in a flock of horned larks. When I arrived at the location, on queue, a flock of something swirled around, too far for me to id. I watched the area for about 15 min and saw very active flocks of probably horned larks and certainly meadowlarks. They would usually settle in the midst of grass that was too high to site them in.

So my questions are:
- is the above experience typical?
- are they and their friends so skittish that you will never get within 100 yds?
- if I spent say a few hours on a sunny winter day walking a field slowly might I get a good look
- are the id marks distinctive enough that I will likely feel confident?
- do they hang with meadow larks, or just horned?

Ron Bolton
Berthoud

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5465d8c6-cbab-4e1d-b497-8692b63ef187o%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

Thanks to all for the advice!

I'll fearlessly take on the challenge this winter.

On Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 12:24:45 PM UTC-6 Bryan Guarente wrote:

Ron,
For any of the longspurs in winter, it is best to learn their calls and rattle calls (not their songs). When a flock of Horned Larks takes to the air, they love to vocalize. Same is true of the Longspurs. The rattle calls of Longspurs are quite distinctive from Horned Larks and that is how I normally get my Longspurs in winter.

Lapland Longspurs from Colorado:
From Nathan Pieplow:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/17814
https://www.xeno-canto.org/17815
https://www.xeno-canto.org/17816
From Sue Riffe:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/461823
https://www.xeno-canto.org/450539
It is worthwhile then to know what Horned Lark calls sound like too:
From Sue Riffe:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/313073 (Ignore the Western Meadowlark Call)
From Ted Floyd:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/354538 (a nice flock doing what they love to do)
To me that is the way to win at the Longspur game, especially in winter when your teeth are rattling like Longspur calls.

Best of luck,
Bryan

Bryan Guarente
Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
UCAR/The COMET Program
Boulder, CO

On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 11:37 AM Susan Rosine <u5b2...@gmail.com> wrote:
Haha, I'm not always patient either, so I get it.
Honest answer, these little guys can be so difficult! I usually see them with Horned Larks. If you go up to the Pawnee Grasslands you can find them NOT with larks, and in larger numbers.
I usually find them along the sides of dirt roads, either on the ground or on a fence.
They are a tough bird, so I wish you luck....and patience!
Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams 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+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ecbcf7cd-2b46-4b8b-b62f-5404d30887fao%40googlegroups.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/eeb1cea2-7383-428a-8905-bd6332fb0e60n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Massive waves of white-cheeked geese at Barr Lake, Adams county

Today at 10:50 am, about 12 waves of white-cheeked geese came into Barr Lake from the south. We had previously seen only about 125 Canada Geese on the reservoir. Each wave was 80 to 100 geese. One lonely Snow Goose was mixed in. Since the lines were very wavy and disorganized and not v-shaped, we are suspecting Cackling Geese. Welcome back!

Candice and Tim Johnson, Denver

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not an intended recipient, or the person responsible for delivering this message to an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that reading, copying, using or distributing this message is prohibited. If you are not an intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message from your computer system.

[cobirds] Wild turkeys on Diagonal

10 wild turkeys were in the median strip of the Diagonal Highway at Airport Road, west of Longmont.

Sent from my iPhone
Elena Holly Klaver
Federally Certified Court Interpreter
Conference Interpreter
English <> Spanish
303 475 5189

Member: American Translators Association
Colorado Translators Association
Pronouns: she, her, hers

I acknowledge that I live in the territory of Hinóno'éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne and Ute Nations, according to the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, and that Colorado's Front Range is home to many Native peoples. Reconozco que vivo en el territorio de las naciones Hinóno'éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne y Ute, según el 1851 Tratado de Fort Laramie, y que el estado de Colorado al esté de las Montañas Rocosas es territorio de muchos pueblos indígenas.

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CCBA10EC-03A8-49FB-94D3-054782A95BF1%40indra.com.

[cobirds] Mtn Bluebird in Highlands Ranch (Douglas Cnty)

Saw a lone male Mountain Bluebird this morning, perched on a marker post in the open space tract along Falcon Trail in my Eastridge neighborhood of Highlands Ranch in Douglas County. This is generally near the intersection of Colorado and University. I have only occasionally seen bluebirds in this neighborhood (not many trees or boxes for nesting sites) over the years but this is the latest I have ever seen one in Douglas County.

-Barbara Spagnuolo, Highlands Ranch/Castle Rock, Douglas County

[cobirds] Pygmy Nuthatch at Littleton, Arapahoe Co 10/29

A Pygmy Nuthatch was at Littleton Cemetery yesterday. The species is rare at Littleton, and in most of Arapahoe generally. I had two prior records from the cemetery, both in fall 2017, and two others from the S Prince Street corridor at St. Mary Church, also in 2017. That was a fall when the species moved out into the metro area. This one was with a Mountain Chickadee, also rare at Littleton, but now with a series of detections at the cemetery this fall season.

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl valley

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6Ropn60bE5h4E_nDKfw_ChFq%3D9Es-7xHnJZk1C3xd8PMOnA%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Mystery dead bird

Hi James!

I agree with Nathan. In addition to the thin, serrated bill and bushy crest, note the clean white chin and white wing patches, which are all consistent marks for female Hooded Merganser.

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/0c3ac3cc-8b56-42ab-bf60-6c711b3e164bn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] Mystery dead bird

Hi James,

It's a female Hooded Merganser. Good job noticing the serrated bill. The pale brown bushy crest is another clincher.

Nathan Pieplow

Boulder

On Fri, Oct 30, 2020 at 6:14 AM James Connell <questar62@gmail.com> wrote:

I hate to post this but a neighbor alerted me to a dead bird on our street.

I'm stumped, 1st guess was a white winged scoter till I looked them up and they have a much different bill.
This one is narrow, pointed and has the "teeth" on the bill pointing toward a fish eater.
Belly was pure white but had been sort of excavated.
The bird was about 15" long

I'm 2 miles from Cherry Creek Res, although there are streams in the area.

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2d618dac-a721-4960-a6a7-32b0101b4bf2o%40googlegroups.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDVJQFaGU0R48VDn0x6yixcXfs6mfyCfWr8hq_YdV9M2EGA%40mail.gmail.com.

Thursday 29 October 2020

[cobirds] Pine Warbler at Pueblo Co. 10/29

A Pine Warbler with yellow on the throat and no tail was feeding in pine needles in tall pine trees this morning in at Pueblo City Park, Pueblo County. It was seen west of Lake Joy, the pond in the middle if the park. Photos were taken. A few Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are also being seen in Pueblo City Park, they could be anywhere, today two were seen west of Lake Joy. There are good numbers of nuthatches, chickadees, creepers, and other birds to look through. I believe this is the first Pine Warbler in Pueblo County since 2015.

Brandon K. Percival
Pueblo West, CO

Sent from my Android

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%2BXeEuV2uRAaUsTFShd2Z7TM9MGK7F60fSfAHLPthNXeeA3bbw%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Mystery dead bird

Neighbor asked me what this dead bird was, didn't have a good answer and still don't.

I thought White winged Scoter but the bill is long, narrow and has the serrated "teeth" of a fish eater.

Cherry Cr Res is about 2 miles away but there are nearby streams.

Breast was pure white but somewhat excavated.

Bird was about 15' long.

[cobirds] Mystery dead bird

I hate to post this but a neighbor alerted me to a dead bird on our street.

I'm stumped, 1st guess was a white winged scoter till I looked them up and they have a much different bill.

This one is narrow, pointed and has the "teeth" on the bill pointing toward a fish eater.

Belly was pure white but had been sort of excavated.

The bird was about 15" long

I'm 2 miles from Cherry Creek Res, although there are streams in the area.

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2d618dac-a721-4960-a6a7-32b0101b4bf2o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Do yourself a favor! Browse the HELP section of eBird!

It's worth it!
Friendly tip from
Joe Roller

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/6AEEB343-223D-481F-877E-AB1521D5CB61%40gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Cedar Waxwings, Louisville

My little flock of 10ish flew over the Highlands neighborhood just west of downtown around 7 this morning. Great view from the hottub, coffee in hand.

Charlie Chase

Denver

On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 11:42 AM Paula Hansley <redstart.paula@gmail.com> wrote:

I just had a small (<12) flock of Cedar Waxwings in my Washington Hawthorne tree, which is full of ripe berries!

Paula Hansley
Boulder County

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/9775E331-8E63-4F95-BD25-1F127859D18D%40gmail.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%2BBAsdua6woqEoNJ%3Do43-i1e8%2BabMngWcUKs5fVbP4VMFmzwAg%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Sandhill Cranes, Windsor Lake

This morning around 11:30, five Sandhill Cranes flew over Windsor Lake (Weld County) heading SE. They were low, easily seen without binoculars. Three continued SE and two broke off and headed back W/NW.

Barbara Jones

Windsor

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8b3dc4dc-11a2-41e2-83ce-c1c256f78452n%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

Ron,

For any of the longspurs in winter, it is best to learn their calls and rattle calls (not their songs). When a flock of Horned Larks takes to the air, they love to vocalize. Same is true of the Longspurs. The rattle calls of Longspurs are quite distinctive from Horned Larks and that is how I normally get my Longspurs in winter.

Lapland Longspurs from Colorado:

From Nathan Pieplow:

From Sue Riffe:

It is worthwhile then to know what Horned Lark calls sound like too:

From Sue Riffe:

https://www.xeno-canto.org/313073 (Ignore the Western Meadowlark Call)

From Ted Floyd:

https://www.xeno-canto.org/354538 (a nice flock doing what they love to do)

To me that is the way to win at the Longspur game, especially in winter when your teeth are rattling like Longspur calls.

Best of luck,

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Meteorologist/Instructional Designer

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO

On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 11:37 AM Susan Rosine <u5b2mtdna@gmail.com> wrote:

Haha, I'm not always patient either, so I get it.
Honest answer, these little guys can be so difficult! I usually see them with Horned Larks. If you go up to the Pawnee Grasslands you can find them NOT with larks, and in larger numbers.
I usually find them along the sides of dirt roads, either on the ground or on a fence.
They are a tough bird, so I wish you luck....and patience!
Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ecbcf7cd-2b46-4b8b-b62f-5404d30887fao%40googlegroups.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAENnWHtCsncLDX6EWTFNGGSZRoko4Qzi-O-%2B1Qd2rtW%3DHZ3zug%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Migration Weather Forecast... when is the next chance?

COBirders,

I had a chance to look at the weather a little this morning to make a migration weather forecast. I also noticed that the website that I use, and hopefully you are using more now, has been updated with a new user interface. This is great news for mobile device users as it is much more intuitive and useful on mobile now. For desktop users, this has given some more clarity to the buttons and makes the loading faster. Check it out: earth.nullshool.net

The key thing you need to still do is change the wind altitude to 850hPa (not ideal for CO as we would want higher, but the best we can do on this site). To do so, you still click on the "earth" button in the bottom left corner and scroll through the menus to find the 850hPa button.

To navigate through time on this page, you can use the "<< < > >>" section of the menu. Those correspond to -1 day, -3 hours, +3 hours, and +1 day. You'll need that for my challenge.

Since the passerine migrants are mostly done aside from the northern migrant sparrows, we have been in a slow trickle with what I am guessing is mostly altitudinal migrants, but there have also been some surprises recently that may be wanderers from around the area that we hadn't detected yet (Little Gull and Scoters were the surprises to me). OR these birds could have migrated in less-than-ideal conditions based on the weather. OR I am/we are looking at computer models which are inherently slightly flawed due to our inability to fully model the atmospheric intricacies. OR I could be missing part of the big picture of migration and weather patterns.

And now for the challenge for those that have read this far...

Using earth.nullschool.net, when do you think we will see our next more obvious push of migrants in the Front Range of CO?
For bonus points, where along the Front Range will they see the best concentrations of birds according to the forecasted winds?
For double bonus points, what do you think those migrants could be?

Email me directly with answers, or if you are feeling bold, reply to this thread on COBirds so we can all learn from your answers, our mistakes, and the ensuing conversations.

Thanks to those of you who wish to play along, and thanks to those of you who keep egging me on happily. I appreciate all the kind words you are throwing my way when I send these emails out. It makes it worth it to just hear from each of you about your experiences and enjoyment of birding.

Best in birding,

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Meteorologist/Instructional Designer

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAENnWHvUcafsjYzFAPcrmevsPNLbF5bK3RYJ6f6x-TxeQ%2B48Mg%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Cedar Waxwings, Louisville

I, too, watched a similar-sized flock of Cedar Waxwings in a neighbor's mature juniper tree Tuesday here in east-central Denver, just off East Colfax Avenue. They were scarfing juniper berries in a frenzy along with a flock of at least 25 American Robins.

Patrick O'Driscoll

Denver

On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 11:42 AM Paula Hansley <redstart.paula@gmail.com> wrote:

I just had a small (<12) flock of Cedar Waxwings in my Washington Hawthorne tree, which is full of ripe berries!

Paula Hansley
Boulder County

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/9775E331-8E63-4F95-BD25-1F127859D18D%40gmail.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJNSrO-Hm6Z1bkDqMx5Yta2CpB67n%2BN-6TaVOJp-6AAc3g%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Cedar Waxwings, Louisville

I just had a small (<12) flock of Cedar Waxwings in my Washington Hawthorne tree, which is full of ripe berries!

Paula Hansley
Boulder County

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/9775E331-8E63-4F95-BD25-1F127859D18D%40gmail.com.

[cobirds] tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

Haha, I'm not always patient either, so I get it.
Honest answer, these little guys can be so difficult! I usually see them with Horned Larks. If you go up to the Pawnee Grasslands you can find them NOT with larks, and in larger numbers.
I usually find them along the sides of dirt roads, either on the ground or on a fence.
They are a tough bird, so I wish you luck....and patience!
Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ecbcf7cd-2b46-4b8b-b62f-5404d30887fao%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

Just my personal experience -a good time to look for Lapland Longspurs is when the ground is covered in snow but the dirt roads aren't - when that happens, I tend to find them along the roads/fencelines. If the fields are open, it seems they are more likely to be off in some field where they would be harder to spot.

Diana Beatty

El Paso County

On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 8:38 AM 'ronbco' via Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

I'm a reasonably passionate birder, but not very patient.
I saw an ebird post for a Lapland Longspur nearby my home and since it would be a lifer I went to look; no success, but again, I am not patient.

Looking at ebird stats for the area (Loveland/Longmont) it seems that sitings are not common. My general impression is that they are seen in onsey/twosey out in the middle of fields, and you need to use a scope and be patient.

The siting I was acting on yesterday had one in a flock of horned larks. When I arrived at the location, on queue, a flock of something swirled around, too far for me to id. I watched the area for about 15 min and saw very active flocks of probably horned larks and certainly meadowlarks. They would usually settle in the midst of grass that was too high to site them in.

So my questions are:
- is the above experience typical?
- are they and their friends so skittish that you will never get within 100 yds?
- if I spent say a few hours on a sunny winter day walking a field slowly might I get a good look
- are the id marks distinctive enough that I will likely feel confident?
- do they hang with meadow larks, or just horned?

Ron Bolton
Berthoud

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/701cbc7f-e8de-4f7a-bf67-45a03ea56a68n%40googlegroups.com.

******

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAM-_j9t9m86V6SznKNdSE5GxM2ksHVbes6BaFiKhkN6Wehwvsg%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] tell it to me straight.... finding a Lapland Longspur

I'm a reasonably passionate birder, but not very patient.

I saw an ebird post for a Lapland Longspur nearby my home and since it would be a lifer I went to look; no success, but again, I am not patient.

Looking at ebird stats for the area (Loveland/Longmont) it seems that sitings are not common. My general impression is that they are seen in onsey/twosey out in the middle of fields, and you need to use a scope and be patient.

The siting I was acting on yesterday had one in a flock of horned larks. When I arrived at the location, on queue, a flock of something swirled around, too far for me to id. I watched the area for about 15 min and saw very active flocks of probably horned larks and certainly meadowlarks. They would usually settle in the midst of grass that was too high to site them in.

So my questions are:

- is the above experience typical?

- are they and their friends so skittish that you will never get within 100 yds?

- if I spent say a few hours on a sunny winter day walking a field slowly might I get a good look

- are the id marks distinctive enough that I will likely feel confident?

- do they hang with meadow larks, or just horned?

Ron Bolton

Berthoud

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/701cbc7f-e8de-4f7a-bf67-45a03ea56a68n%40googlegroups.com.

RE: [cobirds] Re: "Small gull with M pattern"

I agree with Tony. Juvenile Sabine's certainly show a strong pattern in flight. Striking white, brown, and black. Much better description than an "M" pattern.

John Vanderpoel

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of willc...@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2020 8:17 PM
To: Colorado Birds
Subject: [cobirds] Re: "Small gull with M pattern"

Hi All,

I think the description of a dark M on the back for a juvenile Sabine's gull makes perfect sense, and is both helpful and descriptive for newer birders. It is a common term when used in relation to Sabine's Gulls in juvenile plumage, and I see no need for a change of the lexicon.

thanks,

Will

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 3:51:04 PM UTC-6 codipper wrote:

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering
currently Fairborn, OH

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/dbd7d0b5-a445-4a4f-9bda-797d20c644fcn%40googlegroups.com.

Wednesday 28 October 2020

Re: [cobirds] Purple vs. Cassin's Finches--Purple Finch in El Paso 10/25, 26, 27

Yes, Duane Nelson, thanks for that pic and your description.

I have no photos, but based on this thread and Duane's description, I'm now convinced that what I had identified as a female Cassin's Finch on 10/25-27 in our back yard was actually a Purple. Present 3 days but only for very brief visits--it seemed extra skittish. I originally identified it 10/25 (and posted to ebird that day and again the 26th) as a female Cassin's; I edited those reports tonight, because I do remember thinking on the 25th that it must be a partially leucistic Cassin's due to unexpectedly greater & distinctive white (in eyebrow & malar) surrounding the brown cheeks.

I didn't even think of Purple, not being too familiar with them. Was not able to get photos. Seeing the thread about Purple Finches (vs Cassin's) on COBirds today made me reconsider--especially Duane's contribution, with his photo.

Marty Wolf

NW Colorado Springs

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Rosine <u5b2mtdna@gmail.com>
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Oct 28, 2020 7:24 pm
Subject: [cobirds] Purple vs. Cassin's Finches

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/c4153723-75d5-4b5e-a41c-80c5170eaa83o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Re: "Small gull with M pattern"

Hi All,

thanks,

Will

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 3:51:04 PM UTC-6 codipper wrote:

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering

currently Fairborn, OH

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/dbd7d0b5-a445-4a4f-9bda-797d20c644fcn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] "Small gull with M pattern"

Also yet the Sibley app states "pied wing pattern resembles dark M of other species" in description of Juvenile Sabine's Gull, but let us note that the juvenile wing pattern is the same as the adult wing pattern.

Ira Sanders

Golden, CO

On Wed, Oct 28, 2020 at 4:32 PM Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8@gmail.com> wrote:

Yet, the Cornell app "Merlin" uses the convenient descriptor "Small gull with distinctive bold "M" pattern on wings in flight, formed by black outer primaries, white inner flight feathers, and dark back," in its description of Sabine's Gull.

Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO

On Oct 28, 2020, at 3:50 PM, coloradodipper via Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering

currently Fairborn, OH

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1609405297.23877.1603921857973%40mail.yahoo.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5227831E-8091-4BF9-BFBE-E847B29B7D39%40gmail.com.

Ira Sanders

Golden, CO

"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siEKNhVzXD83Njtx8BkUKh_oN1qZ1hcmMB%2BYasFMDyfYBQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Purple vs. Cassin's Finches

What a FANTASTIC comparison picture! Thanks for sharing!
I saw the female Purple today in Broomfield. What a treat; used to see them all the time when I lived in Western WA.
Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/c4153723-75d5-4b5e-a41c-80c5170eaa83o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Red-necked Grebe, Adams County

Hi all,

I had a Red-necked Grebe this evening in Brighton (Adams County). Specifically, the bird was in this unnamed reservoir:

39.951870, -104.853188 which can be accessed by parking here:

39.943753, -104.852972

A little further north there were 3 Common Loons in "Cell No. 3" Reservoir.

Adam Vesely

Thornton, CO

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/0ca49662-8f33-4a69-b926-65e14fb27fbao%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] "Small gull with M pattern"

Yet, the Cornell app "Merlin" uses the convenient descriptor "Small gull with distinctive bold "M" pattern on wings in flight, formed by black outer primaries, white inner flight feathers, and dark back," in its description of Sabine's Gull.

Chuck Hundertmark

Lafayette, CO

On Oct 28, 2020, at 3:50 PM, coloradodipper via Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering

currently Fairborn, OH

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1609405297.23877.1603921857973%40mail.yahoo.com.

[cobirds] "Small gull with M pattern"

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering

currently Fairborn, OH

Tuesday 27 October 2020

[cobirds] Little Gull - Douglas County

Hello all,

I identified a Little Gull at Platte Canyon Reservoir (Douglas County) this morning at 945 AM. The gull was actively flying along the southern shore and not associating with any other gulls in the area. This spot has not historically been great at attracting much more than common birds, but its proximity to Chatfield may have forced the gull a bit further south as it was looking for food. If it cannot be found here, I would expect it to move back north to Chatfield.

Good birding,

Scott Manwaring

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2a1483f3-6dd2-460e-96f4-adbd57dcdfe4n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Purple vs. Cassin's Finches

Birders,

I believe that Chris Petrizzo's finch is a Purple Finch.

I had the good fortune to photograph both Purple and Cassin's Finches on my feeder in Las Animas, Bent County, CO on 2/28/15. For a long time, I kept seeing one extralimital finch that I confidently identified as a Purple Finch, only to doubt myself when I saw one that looked more like a Cassin's. Finally, both cooperated and appeared at my feeder at the same time. I got to reclaim my sanity card.

The Purple Finch is on the left and the Cassin's finch is on the right. Note that the Purple Finch has a shorter bill with a decurved culmen, while the Cassin's Finch has a pointed, longer, conical beak. The ear coverts on the Purple Finch are uniformly dark, and outlined much more boldly by a pale border. I also think the Purple finch has a rounder head, looks stockier, and appears to have a shorter tail. The breast streaks are bolder and more defined in the Purple Finch. Out of sight in this picture are the undertail coverts, immaculately white in a Purple Finch, and finely streaked in a Cassin's Finch.

I hope this is useful to Colorado birders.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO

Re: [cobirds] Boulder Purple Finches

Thanks, everybody, for your input. Unanimous opinion on this one is Cassins. I'm just glad I was right in saying not a house finch! I was going to feel really silly otherwise. Lol. Thanks again!

On Tue, Oct 27, 2020 at 12:41 PM

On Oct 27, 2020, at 11:01 AM, Amy Roberts <amyroberts999@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm sort of hijacking your thread (sorry about that!!), but since you're talking about finches: I had this guy in my yard today, hanging with a flock of house finches. I'm not good enough at this yet to say what he is. I think not a house finch, but I'm not sure between purple and Cassins? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Amy Roberts
Ft. Collins
amyroberts999@gmail.com

On Oct 26, 2020, at 7:20 PM, Alan Bell <alan.bell@colorado.edu> wrote:

A female and 2 male Purple Finches came by our feeders north of Boulder this afternoon. The female was around for a while, so I was able to study it. It seemed somewhat in between the e and w varieties pictured in Sibley. Crest; bill not as sharply conical as a Cassins; whitish underparts with dark broad streaking; primary projection longish but not specially long; weak face pattern; narrow white rim under eye, rump light brown with some vague mottling. While I was working on such details, two males suddenly appeared for about half a minute, and didn't return.
Not a bad day--a Prairie Falcon zoomed by in the morning for a bonus.

Alan Bell, 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2EAB195F-564C-4C08-93F2-31779E6B7BAA%40colorado.edu.
<F2583F62-5E01-48F4-B8ED-D438938B80E9.jpeg>
<0792120B-410D-4572-A27D-FEE98D195BA4.jpeg>
<CF7EA172-795E-4A18-9DD8-BFF730EAF676.jpeg>

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/B2CDF177-E812-4B0F-A847-A088949FC8F3%40gmail.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CANP%3DHdy1eUTHsvkSheoXjOBgT6XdXPhPMp11MiBzMAOVE%2B7utA%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Purple Finch - Broomfield

After review of many photos of both species using the Explore feature of eBird, I am on board with Purple Finch. The curved

culmen of the upper mandible, the deep chocolate brown of the plumage on the head and back with some white streaking on the back, as well as unmarked under tail coverts are all features of Purple Finch. Nice find!

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

On Oct 27, 2020, at 12:25 PM, willc...@gmail.com <willcbirds@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

I think the streakyness is subjective, as I think Chris's photos show a more blurry set of streaks than I would expect on Cassin's Finch. I think the bill shape, being stubby and very thick, is different than I would expect on a Cassin's finch. The facial pattern seems to be stronger than your average Cassin's, and the ustreaked undertail coverts in this bird ties the ID together fairly nicely as a Purple Finch, in my opinion.

Thanks,

Will Anderson
Boulder

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 7:50:59 AM UTC-6 Nick Komar wrote:
Chris,

Separating Cassin's Finch females from Purple Finch female can be very tricky. I think the streaked throat and rump, pale eye ring and crisply streaked breast support an ID of Cassin's Finch. Did you hear it call? Call notes differ.

Nick Komar
Fort Collins.

On Oct 26, 2020, at 5:08 PM, 'Chris Petrizzo' via Colorado Birds <cob...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

A while back when I was getting serious about birding, I posted to this list that I'd found a flock of Purple Finches in Lyons; a few of you then introduced me to Cassin's Finches. :-) :-)

I promptly sent out a correction.

But now I have redemption, and today found what certainly seems to be an actual Purple Finch! And the behavior is just like some of you told me it would be - a single bird at someone's feeder.

Location and photos can be found on the eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S75437331

Happy birding,
- Chris Petrizzo, Broomfield

--
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+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/c986d8da-a5cf-4514-98d7-30c98c39a26en%40googlegroups.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2877c93e-823d-41f0-ad57-750563cc75c6n%40googlegroups.com.