cobirds colorado rare bird: October 2012

Wednesday 31 October 2012

[cobirds] White-throated Sparrow, poss. hybrid phoebe & Harlan's Hawk in Canon City area

Yesterday I enjoyed assemblage of birds on private property in the Canon City area including a pretty rare for this area White-throated Sparrow, and I believe a tan-striped form at that. A few hundred feet away was a Northern Shrike.

One large old cottonwood tree just a hundred yards from the sparrow hosted an unusually diverse group of birds--2 Eastern Bluebirds (feeding on insects), 2 Townsend's Solitaires (not common in this deciduous riparian area), 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Lewis' Woodpecker (also feeding on ? in tree), 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 4 American Goldfinch and an unusually pugnacious possible hybrid Black X Eastern Phoebe. As large as the tree was, the phoebe was not interested in sharing the location. I observed it engage in hostile interactions with at least one of the bluebirds, both of the solitaires, the poor small nuthatch and a goldfinch. This is unusual behavior for a phoebe in my experience.

At dusk I spotted a Harlan's Hawk perched in a tree on top of the bluff above the Arkansas River. So now that I knew the bird was still around town I went looking today for the Harlan's and found one perched several hundred feet away-it flew and I got a few photos as it flew past then I followed it until it disappeared on the prison property.

I have uploaded photos of the phoebe and the White-throated Sparrow onto my Birds and Nature blog. I will add photos of the Harlan's tomorrow.

SeEtta Moss
Canon City
Blogging for Birds and Blooms magazine @ http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/author/seetta-moss/
Personal blog @ BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com

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[cobirds] Rusty Blackbirds, Last Chance,Washington Co.

Well after sitting for about 45 minutes, and thinking "What am I doing Here?", seeing no birds at all, I was about to leave , when 2 Rusty Blackbirds appeared at the pond. So that was a worthwhile wait. The bizarre thing is that around 5 days ago I was wondering why I had never seen Rusty Blackbirds at Last Chance?

The one male and one female spent about 25 minutes feeding in the Bulrush and around the edge of the tiny pond. They eventually flew off to the south.

Litterally there was 1, Downy Woodpecker and 1, Oregon Junco also at the pond during my time at Last Chance.

Happy Birding !
Tina Jones
Littleton, Jeffferson County, CO.

[cobirds] Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

Happy Halloween, Cobirders. I saw a very busy flock of Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers this morning. There were about 15-20 birds going from Ponderosa to Ponderosa in a residential neighborhood at C470 & Kipling. I was able to get very close to them, but I had no camera.

Nicolle Martin
Littleton, CO

[cobirds] Scrub Jay

While this is not a rare bird, I must say I was ecstatic a few minutes ago when I looked out the patio door to find a Scrub Jay and a Spotted Towhee at my “illegal” feeder. I live in a condo at Lincoln and Peoria Aves. where the birdlife consists of House Sparrows, House Finches, Starlings and Pigeons. In the summer I’m fortunate enough to have the swallows and a pair of Say’s Phoebe. We’re not supposed to have feeders but I find it too tempting to not put my flower box to good use in the winter. So there they were, just passing thru I’m sure, but certainly made my day.

P.S. Keep the feeder info quiet, don’t want the HOA coming after me.

Pam Munroe

Englewood, CO

Douglas County

[cobirds] usual suspects at Pueblo Res

Camped out over-night at Pueblo Res Monday night. Had the campground to myself. Had the usual suspects in my camp; mockingbird, curved-bill thrasher (at least four), canyon towhee. Also a shrike (not sure which - could use ID help) below the dam in picnic area. See some pics at http://birdsbybill.blogspot.com/

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[cobirds] "Nunn Guy" Birding Trip: Raptor Alley

Hi all

My recent visits have been productive so starting my "Raptor Alley" trip series for the winter.

http://coloradobirder.ning.com/events/nunn-guy-birding-raptor-alley

Also, 40+ other bird field trips and programs during November here:
http://coloradobirder.ning.com/events

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

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[cobirds] wind map

Juanita Moston from WSBN (Western Slope Birding Network) found this neat wind map

which helps one see the remains of Hurricane Sandy and the winds in western US.

go to http://hint.fm/wind/

Joyce Takamine

Boulder

[cobirds] Common Loons on Erie Reservoir

I also saw the Common Loons on Erie Reservoir the evening of 10/29,
when I was southbound on US287 at Arapahoe Road. Unfortunately, by the
time I got home, grabbed the binoc, and hurried back, the light was
bad. There's no place to park, so I (illegally) sat at the gate and
glassed the lake as best I could from the east. Saw a flock of
buffleheads, but the Loons were too far for me to see clearly. Thank
you for confirming my sighting!

--
Kristy Lantz Astry
Erie, CO

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[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Compiler: Joyce Takamine

Date: October 31, 2012

email: rba AT cfobirds.org

phone: 303-659-8750

Happy Halloween

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, October 31, 2012, sponsored by 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: (* denotes that there is new information on this species in this report)

Surf Scoter (Park, Weld)

White-winged Scoter (Park)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Garfield, Lake)

Red-necked Grebe (*Douglas/Jefferson)

Sabine's Gull (Boulder)

ACORN WOODPECKER (*Pueblo)

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (*Pueblo)

Eastern Phoebe (Bent, Douglas/Jefferson)

Winter Wren (Bent)

Black-throated Blue Warbler (*Pueblo)

Yellow-throated Warbler (Pueblo)

Scarlet Tanager (*{Pueblo)

Swamp Sparrow (Pueblo)

White-throated Sparrow (Jefferson, Kit Carson, Ouray, Prowers, Pueblo)

Harris's Sparrow (Adams, Boulder, El Paso, Larimer)

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson, La Plata)

McCown's Longspur (Park)

Adams County:

--The Harris's Sparrow at the Barr Lake visitor center feeders continues as reported by Sanders on October 27.

--2 1st year Harris's Sparrows were reported by Sheeter at the feeding station at Rocky Mountain Arsenal on October 25.

Boulder County:

--An ad Harris's Sparrow was reported by Nunes at N55th St just south of Monarch Road on October 25.

--A juv Sabine's Gull was reported by Nunes at Sixmile Reservoir on October 27.

Douglas/Jefferson Counties:

--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Kellner at Chafield SP near the Handicapped Fisherman's Access on October 27.

Garfield County:

--5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by McConnell at Ranch at Roaring Fork on October 27.

Jefferson County:

--An ad GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Henwood at Red Rocks Trading Post on October 18 and refound by Henwood on October 26.

--A 1st year Harris's Sparrow was reported by Henwood at Bear Creek Lake Park on October 26. It was along the road right after you enter the park, about halfway between the stop sign and Cottontail Picnic Area.

--A White-throated Sparrow (tan stripe) was reported by Tina Jones in her yard at 4400 Bow Mar Drive, Littleton on October 29.

Lake County:

--5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Kellner at Mount Elbert Forebay on October 28.

La Plata County:

--A GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Morris at the Durango Fish Hatchery Pond on October 21. Morris refound the 1st winter GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the Fish Hatchery on October 25.

Larimer County:

--A 1st winter Harris's Sparrow has been visiting the yard of Sean Walters in Loveland since October 26. If you would like to

try to see it contact him at waltersintherockies AT gmail.com.

Ouray County:

--A White-throated Sparrow was reported by Zerbi along CR 24 on October 27.

Park County:

--A McCown's Longspur was reported by Drummond at Eleven Mile Reservoir along entrance road to Roger's Mountain access on S side of reservoir on October 27.

--3 Surf Scoters were reported by Kellner at Eleven Mile Reservoir seen from Sucker Cove on October 28.

--A White-winged Scoter was reported by Kellner at Antero SWA on October 28.

Pueblo County:

--2 Red Fox Sparrows were reported by Percival just east of Valco Ponds Parking Lot on the trail between two ponds on October 26.

--A White-throated Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow were reported by Percival at Lake Pueblo SP on October 26.

--A Yellow-throated Warbler was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park by the pond on October 27.

--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Percival W of Pueblo Nature Center on October 27.

--On October 30 at Pueblo City Park, Percival reported m Black-throated Blue Warbler, winter plumaged Scarlet Tanager, 4 YELLOW-BELLLIED SAPSUCKERS (3 ad, 1 juv). The birds were seen near the ravine in NE part of park.

--On October 30 at Pueblo Mountain Park, Goff reported that ACORN WOODPECKERS continue.

Weld County:

--3 Surf Scoters were reported by Prather close to the S shore of Union Reservoir on October 26.

The DFO field trip for Saturday, November 3 will be to look for Scoters led by Joey Kellner (303-978-1748). This is an all day trip driving to various mountain lakes to look for scoters, loons, and other migrants so bring lunch. Trip will probably include stops at Dillon Reservoir, Turquiose Lake, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Twin Lakes, and Eleven-Mile Reseervoir. Call the leader to register and arrange a meeting place.

The DFO field trip for Sunday, November 4 will be to Evans and the South Platte River led by Barbara Shissler (303-589-4431) and Cindy Valentine (303-790-2805). Meet leaders at the parking lot at 0900. Take Santa Fe to Evans then go west on Evans towards the South Platte. Go across the bridge then turn on the road and park on the east side of the river. Group will walk along the river until Mississippi or a little further to look at the waterfowl that are gathered. Be aware that bathroom facilities are not plentiful.

Good Birding,

Joyce Takamine

Boulder

Tuesday 30 October 2012

[cobirds] Re: Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

If the birds were vocalizing, would the credit for the music go to Looney
Tunes? (and a thanks to Porky Pig)

Karl Stecher
Centennial

larry arnold writes:

>
>
> Thank you, Mark Peterson, for the link back to those postings, and good
> grief I got both the date and the final count wrong! It was on 04 April
> 2009 - 72 COLO had been reported to me by Ronda and Deb at 0830 hrs, 92 were
> counted by me, Sean and Jacob at midday, and 124 were tallied at dusk by
> four of us looking northward from the west side kiosk.
>
>
>
> Anyway, I enjoyed looking back at our thread and here are some of the names
> that were proposed for such a mob-goblin of loons:
>
>
>
> Asylum (today I received another vote for this descriptor from Dick Filby)
>
> Commitment
>
> Giggle
>
> Toon
>
> Cry
>
> Loomery (loonery?)
>
> Raft
>
> Water dance
>
> Yodel
>
> Dive, diversity (if more than one species present)
>
> Council
>
> School
>
> Lake
>
> Lot, as in small lot or big lot
>
> Family
>
> And, brace yourselves for this one:
>
> Sheer loonacy!
>
>
>
> Good boidn!
>
> Larry
>
> GJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf
> Of larry arnold
> Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 9:44 AM
> To: 'Colorado Birds'
> Cc: WSBN
> Subject: RE: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?
>
>
>
> Hey Joe, it's not even close! Maybe it's a high count for October, but
> several of us counted and recounted 128 COLO at Highline S.P. in Mesa County
> on the evening of 09 April 2009. The number of COLO had been increasing all
> day long, but our maximum tally occurred at dusk. In hindsight, I *wish* I
> had returned the following morning to see if there were even more! An
> ensuing discussion on wsbn and cobirds was quite a thread, as everyone
> chimed in to offer collective terms that could be applied to that many
> loons, e.g., "loonybin" and all sorts of other colorful terms, wish I could
> recall some of them, eh?
>
>
>
> Larry
>
> GJ
>
>
>
>
>
> From: <mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com> cobirds@googlegroups.com [
> <mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com> mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf
> Of Joe Roller
> Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 8:00 AM
> To: Colorado Birds
> Subject: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?
>
>
>
> J D Birchmeier's report of 23 Common Loons on a private lake west of Erie,
> documented by photos,
>
> is way more loons than I have heard of for one area. I chatted with JD and
> raised the question
>
> "could these have been cormorants?" but silly me, they were photo-documented
> loons of the Gavia
>
> immer type!
>
>
>
> I'll through this out on the "can you top this" list.
>
>
>
> Joe Roller, Denver
>
> --
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>
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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>
>
>
> --
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>

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RE: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

Thank you, Mark Peterson, for the link back to those postings, and good grief I got both the date and the final count wrong! It was on 04 April 2009 – 72 COLO had been reported to me by Ronda and Deb at 0830 hrs, 92 were counted by me, Sean and Jacob at midday, and 124 were tallied at dusk by four of us looking northward from the west side kiosk.

Anyway, I enjoyed looking back at our thread and here are some of the names that were proposed for such a mob-goblin of loons:

Asylum (today I received another vote for this descriptor from Dick Filby)

Commitment

Giggle

Toon

Cry

Loomery (loonery?)

Raft

Water dance

Yodel

Dive, diversity (if more than one species present)

Council

School

Lake

Lot, as in small lot or big lot

Family

And, brace yourselves for this one:

Sheer loonacy!

Good boidn!

Larry

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of larry arnold
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 9:44 AM
To: 'Colorado Birds'
Cc: WSBN
Subject: RE: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

Hey Joe, it’s not even close! Maybe it’s a high count for October, but several of us counted and recounted 128 COLO at Highline S.P. in Mesa County on the evening of 09 April 2009. The number of COLO had been increasing all day long, but our maximum tally occurred at dusk. In hindsight, I *wish* I had returned the following morning to see if there were even more! An ensuing discussion on wsbn and cobirds was quite a thread, as everyone chimed in to offer collective terms that could be applied to that many loons, e.g., “loonybin” and all sorts of other colorful terms, wish I could recall some of them, eh?

Larry

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Roller
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 8:00 AM
To: Colorado Birds
Subject: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

J D Birchmeier's report of 23 Common Loons on a private lake west of Erie, documented by photos,

is way more loons than I have heard of for one area. I chatted with JD and raised the question

"could these have been cormorants?" but silly me, they were photo-documented loons of the Gavia

immer type!

I'll through this out on the "can you top this" list.

Joe Roller, Denver

[cobirds] Pueblo County and Big Johnson (El Paso Cty) Today

Hi, Cobirders.

Today Jeanne and I had a chance to bird with visiting birder Ian de la Rosa. It was a banner day for Ian as he picked up FOUR LIFE BIRDS (in all caps below).

Highlights:

Pueblo County Park - ACORN WOODPECKERS, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatches, Wild Turkey, Steller's Jays, Lots of crows.

Osprey Picnic Area and Valco Ponds - Snow Goose, Green-tailed Towhee, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Shrike.

Big Johnson Reservoir - CANVASBACK, COMMON LOON, HORNED GREBE, lots of mergansers, Buffleheads, Ring-necked Ducks, two Yellowlegs, and four American Avocets.

All in all a gorgeous day for birding and CONGRATS it Ian on his life birds!

Mel and Jeanne Goff

Colorado Springs

[cobirds] Snow Goose, Boulder County

Stopped by Dodd Res (just west of Niwot 1/2 mile) and buried in the middle of the 1000 or so Canadian, 1/3 Cackling was a lonely Snow Goose hanging out with his cousins!
There was an immature Bald Eagle having lunch on the north shore, but it'll be gone by the time anyone sees this.

J.D.(Birch) Birchmeier

Longmont, Co

[cobirds] Pueblo City Park 10/30 (full report)

Hi all,

At 10:04am I found a male Black-throated Blue Warbler and then at 10:07am I found a Scarlet Tanager in winter plumage. Both birds re-appeared for Mark Yaeger and I at 11:37am. We also saw four Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (3 adults, 1 juvenile) and a male and female Williamson's Sapsucker. Leon Bright and Pearle Sandstrom-Smith and Clif Smith were all able to see Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and other birds, though not the tanager or the warbler. All of these birds were in or near the ravine in the north east part of Pueblo City Park. There were a variety of other bird species around this area: one Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Bushtits, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, House Finches, American Robins, Townsend's Solitaires, Downy Woodpeckers, and Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers. Photos were taken of the warbler, tanager, and at the Williamson's Sapsuckers.

In the west part of the park, there was an Evening Grosbeak, a Pygmy Nuthatch, and a Northern "Yellow-shafted" Flicker.

Brandon Percival

Pueblo West, CO

[cobirds] Scarlet Tanager etc pueblo city park

Pueblo City Park is good right. Scarlet Tanager and male Black throated Blue Warbler. Also two williamson sapsuckers and 4 yellow bellied sapsuckers in ne corner in the ravine area. Mark Yaeger and I saw all of these birds.

Brandon K. Percival, Pueblo West, CO -- sent from my phone.

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[cobirds] Red-necked Grebe, Chatfield SP

I found and photographed a Red-necked Grebe near shore at Chatfield this morning. It is a basic plumage bird, swimming west from the fisherman's pier. 3 Common Loons were also observed, none near shore though.

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO

http://www.pbase.com/gwalbek/2012_birds

RE: [cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

Larry

J D Birchmeier's report of 23 Common Loons on a private lake west of Erie, documented by photos,

is way more loons than I have heard of for one area. I chatted with JD and raised the question

"could these have been cormorants?" but silly me, they were photo-documented loons of the Gavia

immer type!

I'll through this out on the "can you top this" list.

Joe Roller, Denver

[cobirds] Wow! Is 23 Common Loons a high count for Colorado?

J D Birchmeier's report of 23 Common Loons on a private lake west of Erie, documented by photos,

is way more loons than I have heard of for one area. I chatted with JD and raised the question

"could these have been cormorants?" but silly me, they were photo-documented loons of the Gavia

immer type!

I'll through this out on the "can you top this" list.

Joe Roller, Denver

[cobirds] Boulder County Loons

Had 23 Common Loons working minnows very successful just west of Erie, unfortunately on a private pond. Keep your eyes out....

J.D.(Birch) Birchmeier
Longmont

Monday 29 October 2012

[cobirds] Red-tailed Hawk, Harlan's/Weld Co

1, Harlan's, Red-tailed Hawk was seen by Claire Montour and myself late yesterday afternoon, at the intersection of county road 5 and county road 28 in Weld County, on 10/28. The bird was sitting on top of a telephone pole.

Tina Jones
Littleton, Jefferson County, CO.

[cobirds] Moon Birding!

It's that time of year folks! Moon is full, sky is clear, get out and focus that scope on the moon. What birds do you see?

Connie Kogler,
Kingfisher Cabin
Loveland, CO

Sent from my iPad

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[cobirds] Final details: Nov 3rd, Last Chance Oasis Appreciation Day & cleanup. New start time is 10:30.

Greetings, appreciative birders!

Details of the big day at Last Chance have firmed up and about ten

grateful birders have signed up for this Saturday, November 3rd. We could use a few more.

We'll be joined by some of the Lions Club members and a representative of M12arts.

This is our chance to show our appreciation for access to this very birdy site,

and it's not just about trash pickup. So please come without work gloves if you just want to say "thanks.'

We will meet at 10:30 at Last Chance at the intersection of Highways 36 and 71.

Trash pickup will start then, and please note, the TIME HAS MOVED UP by 30 minutes. This is due to

the nice people of the Last Chance area providing lunch for us, which will start at NOON.

If there is any work left over, we can finish it up after lunch. At that time,

we might be spreading some straw over the hotly burnt and sterile slopes.

Erosion has started to carve gullies, and we'll plant native grass seed and shrubs next spring.

(We will only be working in the SW corner this Saturday and not katty-corner at the old motel site).

The folks out there are kindly providing the bulk of the lunchtime meal and are eager for us

to join them to eat and chat. It would be swell if each of us birders could

bring a salad or a dessert to share with 4-6 persons, as they have the other courses covered.

No alcoholic beverages, of course.

Please arrange your schedule to stay until 1 PM, at least, as it means

a lot to them for us to stay and share a meal. (Not much happens out at Last Chance

without a casserole, which is a good thing).

Work gloves, old clothes, a salad or dessert to share and an appetite are all you need to bring. Some of

you might bring a shovel or pick-ax, as some of the objet's d'art are semi-buried.

Thanks,

Joe Roller, Denver

for questions, please reply directly to me by email

or on my cell, 303 204-0828.

[cobirds] Yard birds, NE Colorado Springs, El Paso

This p.m. I have had three White-winged doves, a Townsend's Solitaire, Steller's, Blue and Scrub Jays
lots of Juncos & Mountain and BC Chickadees and the usuals. I very seldom get a Steller's.

Nina Ogilvie
Colorado Springs, CO

[cobirds] Halloween owling help?

First attempt didn't like my forwarded text, so I will try again below. Is there anyone out there with good owling experience that is willing to help out this Homeschool Mom on or around Halloween? Kathy Sharpe in Johnstown, CO, 970-587-2844.

I am a homeschooling mom of teenagers. I am looking for a fun "spooky," mysterious, yet educational thing to do for Halloween. Not into the goulish creepy stuff. Thought an "Owl Prowl" would fit the bill. I know this is short notice, but was hoping someone could teach us about owls and lead us on a night time field trip to look for owls on the 29th or 30th of October. We live in the Eaton area, which is just north of Greeley. Would prefer to stay closer to Greeley than not, but would be willing to travel a short distance. We had been in contact with the Ft. Collins Audubon Society and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, but our plans fell through. Please contact me at csblandin@wildblue.net or call me at 970-454-0818.
Cindy Blandin
Eaton, CO

[cobirds] Northcentral Weld County Lakes

Route: WCR 108 Playa (great assortment of waterfowl); Dover Reservoir; Antelope Reservoir; Crom Lake; WCR 84/31 Marsh; Drake Lake; WCR 80/29 Marsh; WCR 80/31 Pond (100s of gulls); Cozzens Lake (covered with waterfowl); 25th Ave Gravel Pit; 35th Ave Gravel Pit; Seeley Lake (covered with gulls, pelis, cormorants--lots of shad present); Neuman's Lake; Neff Lake

Total of 52 species seen.

The "New Almost November" birds:
Double-crested Cormorant - 100s (Seeley Lake, 35th Ave, Neff and Neuman's)
American White Pelican - 50-60 (Seeley Lake and 35th Ave)
Franklin's Gull - 2 (35th Ave)
Yellow-headed Blackbird - 2 (Cozzens Lake)
Greater Yellowlegs - 2 (Cozzens Lake)

Other highlights:
Bonaparte's Gull - 2 (Seeley Lake)
Waterfowl (Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Redhead, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Cackling Goose, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Western Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe)
Snow Goose (Crom Lake)
Northern Shrike (WCR 84/31 Marsh)
American Crow - 1 (Dover Reservoir, RARE for Nunn area (2nd time I remember seeing out here in 10 yrs) we generally see Common Raven)
Belted Kingfisher - 2 (Cozzens Lake, Drake Lake)
Mute Swan - 2 (25th Ave Gravel)

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

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[cobirds] White-throated Sparrow Arap County

Sorry, I meant white-throated. He's a good-looking adult.

Carol Blackard
(303) 740-6072
carol-blackard@comcast.net
www.carolblackardphotography.com

[cobirds] White-crowned Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow and Towhee are still in our yard at the ground feeder. Call if you want to see. Colorado Blvd and Mineral.

Carol Blackard
(303) 740-6072
carol-blackard@comcast.net
www.carolblackardphotography.com

[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, Monday, October 29, 2012

Compiler: Joyce Takamine

Date: October 29, 2012

email: rba AT cfobirds.org

phone: 303-659-8750

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 29, 2012, sponsored by 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: (* denotes that there is new information on this species in this report)

Surf Scoter (*Park, Weld)

White-winged Scoter (*Park)

Barrow's Goldeneye (*Garfield, *Lake)

American Golden Plover (Morgan)

Sabine's Gull (Boulder)

Eastern Phoebe (Bent, Douglas/Jefferson)

Winter Wren (Bent, Pueblo)

Wood Thrush (Larimer)

Yellow-throated Warbler (Pueblo)

LE CONTE'S SPARROW (Pueblo)

NELSON'S SPARROW (Pueblo)

EASTERN TOWHEE (Pueblo)

Swamp Sparrow (Douglas/Jefferson, Larimer, Morgan, Pueblo)

White-throated Sparrow (*Jefferson, Kit Carson, Morgan, Ouray, Prowers, Pueblo)

Harris's Sparrow (Adams, Boulder, El Paso, *Larimer, Pueblo)

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson, La Plata)

McCown's Longspur (Park)

Adams County:

--The Harris's Sparrow at the Barr Lake visitor center feeders continues as reported by Sanders on October 27.

--2 1st year Harris's Sparrows were reported by Sheeter at the feeding station at Rocky Mountain Arsenal on October 25.

Boulder County:

--An ad Harris's Sparrow was reported by Nunes at N55th St just south of Monarch Road on October 25.

--A juv Sabine's Gull was reported by Nunes at Sixmile Reservoir on October 27.

Douglas/Jefferson Counties:

--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Walbek at the edge of Cattail Marsh S of Plum creek rec area parking lot (Flooded Parking area at end of road) on October 23.

--An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Kellner at Chafield SP near the Handicapped Fisherman's Access on October 27.

El Paso/Pueblo Counties:

--At Chico Basin Ranch on October 22, Duane Nelson reported that both the NELSON'S SPARROW and LE CONTE'S SPARROW

continue at Upper Twin Pond. The LE CONTE'S was SW of the dam.

--At Chico Basin Ranch on October 22, Pals reported a Harris's Sparrow SW of Upper Twin Pond.

-Bill Maynard warns that Duck Hunting Season starts Wednesday, October 24 at Chico Basin and Upper Twin Pond is a favorite spot for

hunters.

--At Chico Basin Ranch on October 24, Sanders reported that the NELSON'S SPARROW continues at Upper Twin Pond. Hinds

reported EASTERN TOWHEE and Harris's Sparrow near the LE CONTE'S Area on October 24 and a Harris's Sparrow and Winter Wren at HQ.

Garfield County:

--5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by McConnell at Ranch at Roaring Fork on October 27.

Jefferson County:

--An ad GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Henwood at Red Rocks Trading Post on October 18 and refound by Henwood on October 26.

--A White-throated Sparrow (tan stripe) was reported by Tina Jones in her yard at 4400 Bow Mar Drive, Littleton on October 29.

Lake County:

--5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Kellner at Mount Elbert Forebay on October 28.

La Plata County:

--A GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Morris at the Durango Fish Hatchery Pond on October 21. Morris refound the 1st winter GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the Fish Hatchery on October 25.

Larimer County:

--A Harris's Sparrow was reported by Rashid at Lake Estes on October 22 at the entrance to Pine Point. Maugans refound the Harris's Sparrow on October 24.

--A Swamp Sparrow and Wood Thrush were reported by Rashid at the Sanctuary on the W side of Lake Estes on October 24.

--A 1st winter Harris's Sparrow has been visiting the yard of Sean Walters in Loveland since October 26. If you would like to

try to see it contact him at waltersintherockies AT gmail.com.

Morgan County:

--At Jackson SP on October 22, Mlodinow reported 3 White-throated Sparrows, 1 Swamp Sparrow, and 38 American Golden-Plovers.

Ouray County:

--A White-throated Sparrow was reported by Zerbi along CR 24 on October 27.

Park County:

--A McCown's Longspur was reported by Drummond at Eleven Mile Reservoir along entrance road to Roger's Mountain access on S side of reservoir on October 27.

--3 Surf Scoters were reported by Kellner at Eleven Mile Reservoir seen from Sucker Cove on October 28.

--A White-winged Scoter was reported by Kellner at Antero SWA on October 28.

Pueblo County:

--2 Red Fox Sparrows were reported by Percival just east of Valco Ponds Parking Lot on the trail between two ponds on October 26.

--A White-throated Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow were reported by Percival at Lake Pueblo SP on October 26.

--A Yellow-throated Warbler was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park by the pond on October 27.

--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Percival W of Pueblo Nature Center on October 27.

Weld County:

--3 Surf Scoters were reported by Prather close to the S shore of Union Reservoir on October 26.

The DFO field trip for Sunday, November 4 will by the Evans and the South Platte River led by Barbara Shissler (303-589-4431) and Cindy Valentine (303-790-2805). Meet leaders at the parking lot at 0900. Take Santa Fe to Evans then go west on Evans towards the South Platte. Go across the bridge then turn on the road and park on the east side of the river. Group will walk along the river until Mississippi or a little further to look at the waterfowl that are gathered. Be aware that bathroom facilities are not plentiful.

Good Birding,

Joyce Takamine

Boulder

Sunday 28 October 2012

[cobirds] White-throated Sparrow, Jefferson Co.

One adult White-throated Sparrow [white-striped] was seen in my yard today at 4400 Bow Mar Dr., Littleton. Seems to be a major fall for these Sparrows. If the bird stays I'll post again, although they seem to be pretty easy to find this year.

Happy Birding!
Tina Jones
Littleton, Jefferson County, CO.

[cobirds] Greater White-fronted Geese and dark Harlan's Hawk back in Canon City today

The flock of 8 Greater White-fronted Geese that I posted earlier this week were back in the ag fields on the east side of MacKenzie Ave about a 1/2 north of the Arkansas River--about 6 pm. Earlier today I spotted a dark Harlan's Hawk flying over Canon City. It was distant so views were through my scope and no photos. I suspect this is the dark morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk I spotted here a week ago.

I have posted the photos of the 3 Harlan's Hawks I saw yesterday in Otero and eastern Pueblo Counties onto my Birds and Blooms blog. (also a very creative and entertaining video clip called 'Follow the frog', it's a kick and a good message too).

SeEtta Moss
Canon City
Blogging for Birds and Blooms magazine @ http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/author/seetta-moss/
Personal blog @ BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com

[cobirds] White-throated Sparrow Arap County

The backyard just keeps giving: adult White-throated Sparrow and two Brown Creepers plus Townsend's Solitaire and Spotted Towhee. Also juncos are back in style (7 in the yard today)

Carol Blackard
(303) 740-6072
carol-blackard@comcast.net
www.carolblackardphotography.com

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[cobirds] Sunday Mountain Lakes

Lisa Edwards, Charlie Lawrence, Steve Larson and I run "the big loop" today
through the mountains to see what birds might be visiting the lakes.

Lake George:
Lots of Ring-necked Ducks (as John Drummond pointed out yesterday)
A variety of ducks.

Plamann Lake:
Few birds, nothing of note

Eleven Mile Reservoir (State Park):
Common Loon - 1
SURF SCOTER - 3 (two together, one separate - all seen from Sucker Cove)
Lots of American Coots (as usual for this time of year) and Western & Eared
Grebes

Spinney Mountain Reservoir (State Park):
Common Loon - 2
Lots of American Coots (as usual for this time of year)

Antero Reservoir (SWA):
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER - 1
Too windy to make out much else

Clear Creek Reservoir:
A few birds, nothing of note

Twin Lakes:
Nothing much

Mount Elbert Forebay:
Barrow's Goldeneye - 5

Turquoise Lake:
Very little

Dillon Reservoir (west Marina):
Barrow's Goldeneye - 26

Blue Water Waste Water Treatment Plant (Silverthorne):
No goldeneyes (all on Dillon Reservoir for the day?)

The number of ducks still seems a bit low, but then we've only had one
"decent" cold front this month!

Joey Kellner
Littleton, Colorado

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[cobirds] Poudre River, Fort Collins (Larimer) on Sunday 28Oct2012

I walked the Poudre River in eastern Fort Collins (Larimer) today from Prospect south from Sharp Point Drive to the Environmental Learning Center (including the pond to the south of the ELC parking lot [this pond needs a name]), backtracking a bit, crossed over the river to the City-owned Cottonwood Hollow/Running Deer Natural Areas, and back to Sharp Point.

Most enjoyable was following a mixed flock of birds foraging, as best I could tell, on aphids. Lots of aphids. Included in the group were both Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees, a White-breasted Nuthatch (interior race), at least 3 Downy Woodpeckers (eastern race), a Golden-crowned Kinglet (female), Brown Creepers, several Dark-eyed Juncos (mostly slate-colored, but a few Oregon and pink-sided), and one Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's). They were mostly getting an undetermined species (collected for ID) of leaf aphid from various types of willow, but also got Giant Willow Aphids (from one particular Crack Willow) and Snowberry Aphids from Snowberry (Symphorocarpus occidentalis). I followed this flock for over 2 hours and the number of individual aphids they collectively consumed was phenomenal. If it weren't for birds, suffice it to say, we would be wading around in insects. Nobody in their right mind would walk/ride the bike trail without goggles and a plow/fairing. The faint of heart would stay inside and watch football.

Other interesting birds were:
Cackling Goose (several, race undetermined, pretty much part of every "White-cheeked" Goose gathering these days)
Hairy Woodpecker (1 male, mountain race)
Pine Siskin (heard overhead)
Northern Shrike (1 immature), Running Deer NA
Pied-billed Grebe (1), in Pelican Pond
Tree Sparrow (2) in Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area in the grasses where Artist's Point Pond used to be
Marsh Wren (heard out in the cattails at Cottonwood Hollow NA, probably will try to overwinter)
Chipping Sparrow (1 late first-winter bird eating rabbitbrush seeds)

The Trumpeter Swan decoys are still on the industrial park pond along Sharp Point Drive about a block s of Prospect. I wonder when physiological changes (and ice) will trigger their primeval, years-old instincts to migrate indoors to the storage closet until next May?

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

[cobirds] Report of trip to Chico Basin Saturday.

Hi Cobirders. Sorry for late report . Got home late yesterday and
was at Church all morning. My helper has been learning birds for a
couple years. Tina drove my car
down and back and was thrilled to see birds at Chico Basin.
We got to the ranch about 10:30AM Not a lot of land bird activity,
We did see a Curved-billed Trasher new for Tina . Also checked
Headquarters Pond with the
telescope. There were about 40 Ruddy Ducks most sleeping (probably
had been migrating) and at least 20 Redhead Ducks and a few others .
Then I talked to one of the their ranchers who told me how to get to
Upper Twin Lake where the Nelson's Sparrow had been hanging out. I
did hear from
Bill Maynard Friday evening he had searched for it for an hour and
not found it. He thought it had left just ahead of the cold front.

As we were still in the yard at the office a large brown bird landed
on the fence. I was puzzled and Tina said it sounded like a Grackle
so I checked and indeed it
was a female Great-tailed Grackle . I never had seen one all by its
self!

So we did get to the Upper Twin Pond. There were two birders there
with telescopes. They spent a lot of time looking in the reeds and
we had parked facing them.
There were 6 White-crowned Sparrows (one was an immature) and I saw a
small light colored wren fly toward the reeds and dropped straight
down in them near the
water. It did not reappear.

I talked to the birders and they did not find the Nelson's Sparrow.
We continued to look while we ate lunch but no luck. Hope it comes
back next year.

On the ranch road out we saw a Western Meadowlark and a Northern
Shrike ( Three had been seen at Bear Creek Lake Park by Mike and
another also
was reported Saturday!) So they are back.

Birding at Chico Basin is always great fun. It was a nice day too!.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden

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