Tuesday, 28 January 2014

[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 28 January 2014

Compiler: Joyce Takamine
Date: January 28, 2014
email: rba AT cfobirds.org
phone: 303-659-8750

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, January 28, 2014
sponsored  by the Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.
If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by pressing the
star key (*) on your phone at any time. Please leave your name, phone
number, detailed directions including county, and dates for each sighting.
It would be helpful if you would spell your last name.
 
Highlight species include (* indicates new information on this species in
this report):

BRANT (*Douglas)
TUNDRA SWAN (*Rio Grande)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Boulder, Delta, Garfield, Pueblo)
RED THROATED LOON (Pueblo)
WESTERN GULL (Huerfano)
MEW GULL (Arapahoe, Pueblo)
Thayer's Gull (Boulder)
ICELAND GULL (Arapahoe)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Boulder, El Paso)
SLATY-BACKED GULL (Arapahoe)
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Arapahoe)
Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Boulder)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Bent, Pueblo)
Greater Roadrunner (*Pueblo)
SNOWY OWL (Lincoln)
Winter Wren (El Paso, Larimer)
Pacific/Winter Wren (Boulder)
VARIED THRUSH (Huerfano)
Bohemian Waxwing (*Larimer)
PINE WARBLER (Douglas)
Swamp Sparrow (Baca, El Paso)
Harris's Sparrow (Garfield)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (*Jefferson)
Rusty Blackbird (Adams)
Rosy-Finch (*Jefferson, *Larimer)

ADAMS COUNTY:
--2 Rusty Blackbirds were reported by the DFO Field Trip led by Hundertmark at Barr Lake SP below the dam on January 26.

ARAPHOE COUNTY:
--On January 19, Mlodinow reported that the SLATY-BACKED GULL returned to Aurora Reservoir at around 1530 and was seen from the N side of the dam.   Mlodinow also reported ad Kumliens ICELAND GULL and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Aurora Reservoir on January 19.  On January 23, Hundertmark reported the SLATY-BACKED GULL at Aurora Reservoir.
--On January 18, Suddjian reported Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull flying over St Mary's Church on S. Prince St in Littleton.
--On January 22, Walbek reported a MEW GULL, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and several pale 1-st cyc Thayer's Gulls on the east ice at Cherry Creek SP.

BACA COUNTY:
--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Dowell in Cottonwood Canyon on January 26.

BENT COUNTY:
--An ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was reported by Duane Nelson at John Martin Reservoir on ice shelf in Clayton Bay on January 24.  On January 26, Dowell reported GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and 2 imm Glaucous Gulls on ice shelf in Clayton Bay at John Martin.
 
BOULDER COUNTY:
--A Pacific Wren was reported by Floyd at the back end of Sawhill Ponds in Boulder on January 19.  On January 21, Erthal reported the Pacific Wren at the W end of Sawhill Ponds.  On January 22, Norfleet reported that the Boulder Bird Club found the Pacific Wren on the west side of Sawhill Ponds along Boulder Creek.  On January 23, Moore reported the Pacific Wren continues at Sawhill Ponds.  On January 24, Mlodinow reported that the wren being seen at Sawhill Ponds sounds like a Pacific Wren but looks like a Winter Wren.
--5 or 6 pairs of Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Bradley-Bennett N of the bridge at Hwy 119 and 3rd Ave east of Longmont on January 24.
--A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Waltman at Clover Basin Reservoir in Longmont on January 25.
--A 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, ad Lesser Black-backed Gull, and 2 ad Thayer's Gulls were reported by Floyd at Boulder Reservoir on January 25.

DELTA COUNTY:
--20 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by McConnell on the Gunnison River at Confluence Park on January 26.

DOUGLAS COUNTY:
--A PINE WARBLER was reported by Sigafoos at their feeders in Highlands Ranch since January 22.  Birders are welcome to try for the bird.  The address is 6754 Blackhawk Ct.  The feeders are in the NW corner of the backyard in a Maple Tree and in the bush in the SW corner of the house.  The PINE WARLBLER was seen on January 24 by Walbek.
--The BRANT was reported by Crooks at Redstone Park in Highlands Ranch on January 27.  It was at the furthest S baseball field next to houses.

EL PASO COUNTY:
--On January 17, Farese reported Swamp Sparrow by the bridge below the Nature Center and Winter Wren at Mile Marker 18 at Fountain Creek RP.  On January 19, Kosar reported the Swamp Sparrow at the Fountain Creek Nature Center.
--A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Hinds at Big Johnson on January 25.

GARFIELD COUNTY:
--On January 24, Ortenzio reported the Harris's Sparrow at the Filby's in Carbondale.  I believe that Dick Filby is out of town, but if you want to try to see it you might contact his wife Denise at info AT fosgi.org.
--5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Baron 0.1 mile downriver from the west end of Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs on January 26.

HUERFANO COUNTY:
--A probable WESTERN GULL was reported by Mark Peterson on Horseshoe Lake in Lathrop SP on January 19.
--A VARIED THRUSH has been visiting a private yard in La Veta.  The owners welcome visitors but the bird is best seen from inside the home.  If you would like to try to see the bird please contact Polly Neldner at pollywren AT gmail.com and she will help you make arrangements to see the bird.  On January 24, Erthal and Kilpatrick saw the VARIED THRUSH in La Veta.  On January 26, Neldner reported that the VARIED THRUSH continues in La Veta.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--On January 27, Suddjian reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continues at Red Rocks Trading Post and there were 2 Gray-crowned and 2  Brown-capped Rosy-Finches as well.

LARIMER COUNTY:
--A Winter Wren was reported by Leatherman on January 24 NW of Lee Martinez Park in Fort Collins.  It was along the S side of the Poudre River.  On January 25, Mark Miller reported refinding the Winter Wren at the spot as described by Leatherman.  The Winter Wren was reported by Bruening in the same spot as reported by Mark Miller on January 26.
--On January 27, Rashid reported 1000 Rosy-Finches and a single Bohemian Waxwing in his yard.  Birders are welcome to come and see the birds.  His address is 715 Sanborn Drive, Estes Park.

LINCOLN COUNTY:
--A SNOWY OWL was reported by Kellner on a power pole on Hwy 94 east of CR 11 on January 26.
 
PUEBLO COUNTY:
--A RED-THROATED LOON, m Barrow's Goldeneye, and ad MEW GULL were reported by Percival at Pueblo Reservoir on January 25.  The loon was at the Sailboard Launch Area to the east, the goldeneye was near the boatramp at SWA, and the gull was at N-1 road in NE corner of the reservoir.
--An ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was reported by Dowell on the tires at South Marina at Pueblo Reservoir on January 25.
--A Greater Roadrunner was reported by Percival at Swallows SWA on January 26.  Swallows ia at the far west end of Pueblo Reservoir.

RIO GRANDE COUNTY:
--Simmons reported on January 27 that the TUNDRA SWAN at the Rio Grande Bridge on 3W Road NW of Monte Vista.

DFO Field Trips:
The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, February 1 will be to Castlewood Canyon SP led by Laurie Duke (303-646-4699).  Meet the leader at 0800 at the north entrance to the park in the Homestead Parking Lot.  This will be a half-day trip, lunch optional but do bring snacks and drinking water.  The trip will involve hiking over trails but leader will try to avoid icy areas so wear good hiking shoes.

The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, February 2 will be to 88th and the Platte led by Chris Owens (303-772-6048 leave a message and number or christiel at q.com)  Meet the leader a 0745 at E 88th and S Platte River (parking lot just south of the intersection of 88th and Colorado).  Will check the duck population of this winter river habitat, any overhead raptors, and any other bird that flaps our way while we walk along paved flat trails (about 4 miles).  This will be a half-day trip, birding until noon or shortly thereafter.  Dress for predicted weather.  Bring water, snacks, binocs, and scopes.  Please register with leader in case of weather cancellaltion.

Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

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Monday, 27 January 2014

[cobirds] Birds today - Chatfield to Red Rocks

Not much going on at Chatfield, and in particular few waterbirds on the good size open water area. But a ROSS'S GOOSE flew in with white-cheeked geese to the gravel pond south of Kingfisher, and a male NORTHERN HARRIER there was my first in park this winter. A female WOOD DUCK was along Plum Creek upstream of the picnic area. 

The pond at Trailmark Park had a nice gathering of 116 REDHEAD, maybe regular there but I enjoyed them. 

I made a late afternoon visit to visit Red Rocks Trading Post in the snowfall. There were two each of GRAY-CROWNED and BROWN-CAPPED ROSY-FINCH (only one of the latter came to the feeding station, the rest were on nearby rocks or trees), the continuing GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (staying under the vegetation), a male LESSER GOLDFINCH (not coming to the seed while I was watching), and 6 forms of Juncos numbering about 170 birds. A Sharp-shinned Hawk came in like a missle, causing the scene to explode with white-flashing of junco tail feathers.

David Suddjian
Littleton


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[cobirds] Brant....finally. Douglas County, CO

After 7 unsuccesful tries to locate the Brant (6 in Chatfield, 1 in Loveland), my son and I finally got a tip on the Brant location.   Sure enough.  He was at Redstone Park in Highlands Ranch.  The furthest south baseball field next to the houses.  We were able to walk right up to the flock and get some snowy photos.
 
Speaking of snowy....maybe now that we are feeling lucky we can get back the 16 hrs over two consecutive days we spent looking for the snowy owl in Morgan county this weekend.  We are going to need some of those hours to find time to go spot the owl seen by Joey K down in Lincoln.  :0).
 
Matt and Carson Crooks, Littleton CO

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[cobirds] The Brandt......finally, Douglas County, CO

So, after literally 7 failed attempts (6 at Chatfield and one up in Loveland) to see the Brandt, my son and I finally had success today.  There was a tip that he was seen at Redstone Park in Highlands Ranch.  Sure enough, we were able to walk right up to the little fellow late this afternoon.  He was on the farthest south part of the park, in a baseball field near the houses.
 
Now, that the Brandt chapter of our life is closed, can I have back two consecutive days I spent this weekend driving the back roads of Morgan County looking for the Snowy Owl?  I need those 15 painful hours back to go find the Snowy Owl that the board members found in Lincoln county... :-)
 
 
Matt and Carson Crooks, Littleton

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[cobirds] Weld CR 122 and 124 Ponds

Sunday afternoon drive ... small pockets of open water in both ... inlet stream is open on north

Ferruginous Hawk
Bald Eagle (2) - Weld CR 122 and 124 pond
Rough-legged Hawk
Horned Lark
Lapland Longspur - Weld CR 122 pond
Canada Goose - lots
Snow Goose - Weld CR 122 pond
Greater White-fronted Goose (2) - Weld CR 122 pond
Mallard - lots
Green-winged Teal - Weld CR 124 pond
Northern Pintail - Weld CR 124 pond
Western Meadowlark
Townsend's Solitaire - Weld CR 122 pond
American Tree Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Northern Harrier
Northern Flicker

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

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Re: [cobirds] Winter Wren-Lee Martinez Park Larimer

I like just south of Horestooth Mtn Park and I have not seen any Rosy-Finches this winter.  today would be a good day for them to show up though, with about 4" of snow and still falling.

Today, lots of Juncos (5 kinds), Siskins and House Finches.  Also a 'mountain' White-crowned Sparrow, the first of any kind in several months.
 
Arvind Panjabi
5700' feet, Larimer County, CO
On the north slope of Milner Mtn
Mountain mahogany shrubland and grassland


On Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:31 PM, Libby Edwards <libbyeuro3@gmail.com> wrote:
I too saw the winter wren about 11:30 AM today.  He showed himself for a long time and then darted into and out of the gaps under the big slabs of ice, right where everyone has described where he should be, viewed from one of the dirt social trails.  Great find!

Is there any truth to the rumor that there are 1000s of rosy finches around the Horsetooth area?  A ranger in Gould said they have not seen any all winter but that a birder told them about the Horsetooth flocks....

Libby Edwards
Larimer Co

On Sunday, January 26, 2014, Josh Bruening <87211jjb@gmail.com> wrote:
> The Winter Wren is still present in the same area as yesterday as of noon today.  I followed Mark Miller's directions from yesterday and heard then saw the little guy within 5 minutes.  There is a small creek that flows into the river on the south side and that is where I found him.
>
> Josh Bruening
> Fort Collins
>
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[cobirds] Re: Teller County - Manitou Lake - Record Breaking Day!!!

Jeff -

In a funny sort of way, I really appreciate this post!  As much as I enjoy reading CoBirds postings of interesting, unusual, and rare birds, birding is just as often about striking out.  If it were predictable, it would lose its fun and challenge.  I have had many outings where I have seen few birds, or at least nothing of note.  I think reading CoBirds is often like watching the highlight reel of a sports event.  Yet, in reality, day to day birding can often be less thrilling.  I look at the other rewards too - fresh air, out in nature, exercise.

And one of my mottos is - If you go out in the field, you never know what you will see or encounter.  But if you don't go out, you are guaranteed to see nothing!

Thank for the post,

Rick Schroeder
Fort Collins

On Monday, January 27, 2014 9:04:17 AM UTC-7, Jeff - Teller County wrote:

Ok – this is not the record you expect.

 

I simply had the oddest day ever at Manitou Lake and Trout Creek downstream of the dam – that I can ever remember having yesterday.

 

After three days (Fri-Sun) hitting the 50's here in Teller County at the end of January, I decided to go see what was popping at Manitou Lake and Trout Creek.

 

I spent 1.5 hours at the lake and walked 500 yards downstream from the dam and back. It was gorgeous outside at 10am; about 46 degrees when I started.

 

I neither saw nor heard a single species of bird the entire time! Not even a raven crossing overhead; nor the usual bunch of crows bothering the ice fishermen on the lake; no song sparrows to be found along the creek or in the marsh; no lone mallard in the few open pieces of water on the creek; no misc sparrows feeding along the south-facing portion of the dam; no chickadees, juncos, nuthatches, tree sparrows, red-tailed hawks, rusty blackbirds, woodpeckers, dipper, NADA! I simply couldn't turn up sight nor sound of a single species of bird while there.

 

I am pretty sure I have never encountered such a situation in 25+ years up here on a visit to Manitou Lake/Trout Creek at any time of the year or time-of-day. Even on the windiest, coldest, worst birding days of the year.

 

I looked for birds on the 5 mile drive back to my home; and only upon entering my neighborhood, did I see my first bird – a raven soaring overhead. (Edgar Allan Poe probably had something to say about this.)

 

Anyway – simply so remarkable – that I felt the need to post about it.

 

p.s. To add to that, I was in the hot tub earlier in the morning at my house, and had a cacophony of bird call/song to listen to. Flickers, white-breasted nuthatch, house finch, cassin's finch all singing; while steller's jays, magpies and all sort of other species chimed in with welcoming calls of their own. What an unexpected inconsistency.

Hopefully a little less than 5 months before 'Kotter' shows up on his perch over the hot tub, for his third year in a row, after his winter sojourn in more southerly climes.

 

Jeff J Jones

(jjones@jonestc.com)

Teller County - 8500' - Montane Woodlands

 

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