[cobirds] Black Phoebe in San Luis Valley

I received a report from Brian and Diane Underwood (and photos) of a Black Phoebe at the Rio Grande SWA near Monte Vista (Rio Grande County). The birds location is given as follows.

 

We saw the bird at the CR 3E at the Rio Grande SWA. We parked in the parking area on the east side of 3E just south of the bridge. Go through the chain link gate and follow the trail (which is at this time covered with weeds so it is hard to follow)  east and then north as it curves  up to the Rio Grande. Looking west towards the bridge we saw the bird on a bare branch of a fallen tree that overhangs the south bank of the river. The black phoebe was kind enough to fly out over the river, then perch long enough for us to get a good look and take pictures. The phoebe also flew across the river and perched on willow branches on the north bank.

 

Altho R&A, 1992 had none for the Valley, we have had five reports of the species in the San Luis Valley over the years. Good find for this area.

 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO